Linda Mwananchi in Kisii: Babu Owino says 5% of Kenyans control 95% of resources
By Faith Lagat, July 3, 2026Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over unemployment, inequality and corruption, saying a small percentage of Kenyans control most of the country’s resources while the majority continue to struggle.
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisii County on Friday, July 3, 2026, Owino said the government had failed to fulfil its promise of creating jobs for young people and improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
“Hii serikali walisema watatupea kazi milioni moja, lakini hakuna mtu ako na kazi,” he said. “Kwa hivyo wanawake, wamama wakadanganywa na Bottom-up. Instead, tuko na serikali ambayo 5% of Kenyans have 95% of resources and 95% of Kenyans have 5% resources. We want a country where everybody is somebody, not one that everybody is nobody.”
The rally, held in Kitutu Chache South Constituency, brought together leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement as part of its Gusii region tour.
Poor service delivery
Owino said corruption continues to affect essential public services, including healthcare, education and infrastructure.
“Hii serikali ya Ruto pia imeinvest kwa ufisadi,” he said. “Kila shilingi inayopotea ni dawa isiyonunuliwa hospitalini, barabara isiyojengwa, wanafunzi kukosa shule. Tumechoka hii hali.”
He said public resources should be directed towards improving the lives of citizens instead of being lost through corruption.
The Embakasi East legislator has on several occasions spoken against corruption in public institutions. In June, while addressing the media after visiting activist Eric Omondi at Nairobi Area Police Station, Owino said corruption remained one of the biggest challenges affecting service delivery.
“We cannot tolerate corruption in Nairobi County. It is corruption that has killed Nairobi County,” he said during the address.
He added that challenges affecting waste management, road construction, water supply and healthcare could be addressed through accountability and prudent use of public resources.
Linda Mwananchi tour
Friday’s rally was hosted by Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi and formed part of the Linda Mwananchi movement’s tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties.
The event attracted several opposition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Chief Justice David Maraga, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
The movement has been holding public engagements across the country focusing on governance, constitutionalism, accountability and economic issues ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Maraga also attended the Kisii meeting after holding consultations with Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
The Kisii rally is one of several regional meetings planned by the movement as leaders continue engaging wananchi on governance and national issues.
Owino’s remarks on unemployment, inequality and corruption added to the discussions at the rally, where speakers called for reforms they said would improve service delivery, strengthen public institutions and enhance the management of public resources.