Babu Owino says his security officer targeted ahead of Kisumu rally
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 22, 2026Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has claimed that his security officer is being targeted by investigators ahead of a planned political rally in Kisumu.
In a post shared on his social media accounts on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the legislator said officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were moving to arrest his aide in what he described as an attempt to interfere with the event.
“… is sending DCI officers to arrest my security officer, Oliver Ochieng, in an attempt to frustrate the Kisumu rally,” Owino wrote.
He added that he would not back down despite the situation.
“We will not bow to State intimidation. The Kisumu rally will proceed as planned,” he said.
The remarks come at a time of rising political tension around planned rallies under the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has lined up a series of events across the country.
The group has already held activities in Nakuru and is expected to move to Kisumu as part of its mobilisation drive ahead of the 2027 elections.
Owino has been among the most vocal leaders in the faction. He has repeatedly said the team will continue with its programme despite pressure.
“We are coming. We are coming to Kisumu after the Nakuru rally,” he said in an earlier address.
Past arrest claims resurface
The latest claim adds to a series of complaints he has raised in recent months over the treatment of his security team.
In February, the MP said his security officer, identified as Oliver, and his wife were arrested and assaulted by officers linked to the DCI. At the time, he said the reasons for the arrest were not clear.
“I have received deeply troubling news that my security officer, Oliver, and his wife were arrested today and reportedly assaulted by rogue officers,” he said then.
He called for transparency and due process, insisting that no Kenyan should face unlawful treatment.
“No Kenyan should be subjected to intimidation, unlawful arrest, or violence by those entrusted to uphold the law,” he said.
The latest developments also come weeks after violence was reported in Kisumu, where Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was attacked and injured. Osotsi linked the incident to political interference and raised concern over insecurity in the region.
Despite the attack, leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement said they would proceed with their rallies.
“And I want to say here today that after Nakuru on 19th, we are coming to Kisumu. We are coming,” Osotsi said after he was discharged from hospital.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also maintained that the movement would not halt its activities.
“We are coming to Kisumu after the Nakuru rally,” he said.
The planned Kisumu rally is expected to draw attention given the recent incidents and the growing political rivalry in the region.
Owino’s latest statement signals that the organisers intend to go ahead with the event, even as concerns over security and political interference continue to rise.