Babu Owino condemns suspension of MP Kibagendi from Parliament
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 17, 2026Embakasi East lawmaker Babu Owino has come out to strongly condemn the suspension of his Kitutu Chache South counterpart, Antony Kibagendi, from Parliament.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Owino described the charges that led to Kibagendi’s suspension as frivolous and trumped-up.
He called for the immediate reinstatement of the legislator, noting that Kibagendi, who is a fellow member of the Edwin Sifuna Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Linda Wananchi group, was elected to represent his constituents in Parliament and should not be sidelined.
“We strongly condemn the arbitrary suspension of Hon. Anthony Kibagendi, MP for Kitutu Chache South, from Parliament. The charges are trumped up, frivolous, vexatious and limping. We demand the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of this hard-working MP. He was elected to represent his people in Parliament,” Babu Owino stated.
Kibagendi’s remarks
The suspension follows repeated controversies surrounding Kibagendi, who was indefinitely barred from Parliament after labelling it an “auctioned house” and an appendage of State House during a morning show on local TV stations.
In his remarks, Kibagendi argued that despite Parliament being an independent institution, it has failed to make decisions that benefit Kenyans and has effectively become a puppet of the Executive.
He also accused Moses Wetang’ula, the National Assembly Speaker, and his deputy Gladys Boss Shollei of being subservient to State House.
Wetang’ula’s whip on kibagendi
During an afternoon sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Speaker Wetang’ula barred Kibagendi from parliamentary proceedings until he tenders a formal apology and withdraws his statements.
“You’ll be excluded from the sitting of this House until you bring a properly worded apology to the House for bringing the House into disrepute, and that apology should be delivered to the Clerk; it will be looked at carefully, and if the wording is acceptable, then it will be brought to the House and you will be allowed to come back to the House,” Wetangula ordered.
“For now, you’re excluded from the proceedings of this House, Parliament precincts, and committee sittings, including your office in Parliament.”
Several MPs supported the Speaker’s ruling, led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who applauded the action. Ichung’wah noted that Kibagendi rarely participates in parliamentary business but is vocal outside the House.
He also stated that the MP should provide evidence to support his accusations before being allowed back into proceedings.
The Speaker urged parliamentarians to exercise restraint and avoid portraying the National Assembly in a negative light, emphasising that when a member claims the House is “auctioned”, they too are implicated in the auction.