Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino on Tuesday defended public protests as a key driver of political and social change in Kenya, saying attempts to discourage demonstrations ignore the country’s own history.

Babu Owino spoke in Kawangware, Dagoretti North, during the Linda Wananchi Tour on Sunday, January 25, 2026, where opposition leaders met residents to discuss the high cost of living, governance, and shrinking democratic space.

Addressing residents, Owino said many Kenyans are facing serious hardships, yet leaders in power are quick to dismiss protests rather than listen to public concerns. He questioned why citizens are being told not to demonstrate when their basic needs remain unmet.

“Kuna shida mingi hapa nchini, kisha wanatuambia hakuna maandamano. Wakituambie tupiganie haki yetu wanasema raundi hii hakuna maandamo,” he stated.

Protests role in fight for independence

The legislator then reminded the crowd that protests played a central role in Kenya’s struggle for independence and later political reforms, arguing that many freedoms enjoyed today were won through public action.

“Niwaulize, tukiwafukiza wazungu hii Kenya si kulikuwa na maandamano, tukitaka multi-party 1992, si maandamano ndio ilileta multi-party?” he said.

Owino went on to cite key political moments involving former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying none of those turning points would have happened without sustained public pressure.

“Ili Baba Raila Odinga asalimiane na Kibaki si ilikuwa ni maandamano? Ili Baba asalimiane na Uhuru si ilikuwa ni maandamano? Ili Baba asalimiane na Ruto ilikuwa nini, maandamano,” he said.

Turning to more recent events, Owino pointed to youth-led demonstrations that forced the government to retreat on proposed tax increases, saying this showed protests still work.

“Ili ushuru isiongezwe si ilikuwa ni maandamano ya Gen Z, kwa hivyo maandamano ni mzuri kwa sababu inatuletea mabadiliko,” he said.

Fixing ordinary problems before Singapore dreams

The MP also took issue with government promises of transforming Kenya into a model state similar to Singapore, arguing that leaders must first confront local problems affecting ordinary citizens.

“Ruto anatuambia anataka kutupeleka Singapore, Singapore hatuendi lazima tubaki Kenya tutatue shida zetu,” he said.

Babu Owino said one of the few tools available is to demand accountability.