Babu Owino demands release of his security officers held in Kisumu
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 22, 2026Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has raised fresh concerns about political interference after his security officers were arrested in Kisumu ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega.
In a post on X on Sunday, February 22, 2026, he said the officers remain in custody with no information on charges.
“Yesterday, my security officers were arrested by the police in Kisumu. Up to this moment, they have not been released, and the charges against them remain unknown,” he wrote.
The arrests come amid heightened political activity. Babu has actively criticised the administration and participated in opposition events, including rallies with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Earlier in the week, he accused authorities of abducting his brother-in-law, Geoffrey Ajiki, by officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Babu said Ajiki called him around 4 pm to report that six DCI officers had picked him up and were taking him to Nairobi Area Police Headquarters. He later confirmed Ajiki’s release at 4 am and drop-off in Machakos but described the episode as unlawful and politically motivated.
He directly blamed Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo for orchestrating such actions to intimidate opposition leaders ahead of the Kakamega rally. Babu demanded due process and immediate release or court appearance for those detained.
Violence at Kakamega rally
The rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega on February 21, 2026, was marred by violence. According to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, government officials mobilised goons to attack attendees under police protection.
“They are in charge of mobilising goons and giving the goons police escort to unleash violence on innocent citizens,” Gachagua wrote. He said one assailant died during clashes while others suffered serious injuries.
Earlier, the rally convoy faced attacks in Kisumu. Stones hit a sound truck linked to Sifuna in the Riat area, shattering the windscreen. Sifuna shared footage on social media and confirmed the team continued safely to Kakamega.
Babu Owino and Sifuna accused the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) of allowing goons to barricade Kisumu International Airport before their planned landing.
Sifuna claimed airlines shared their travel information with the Ministry of Interior, putting them at risk. After receiving intelligence on the threat, the team landed safely at the Kakamega airstrip.
Patterns of political intimidation
Arrests and attacks often target individuals close to vocal critics. The incidents involving Babu’s security officers and the Kakamega rally fit a broader narrative of harassment. No official statements have been issued by the police, the Interior Ministry, or KAA regarding these events.
Babu, an ODM MP, lawyer, and activist, criticised the arrests and urged caution, ending his post on a defiant note:
“Hizi zote zitaisha 2007,” he said, signalling his refusal to be intimidated.