Babu Owino, Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, has been released on bail today, July 21, 2023. The Milimani chief magistrate, Lukas Onyina, granted him Sh100,000 cash bail.
The prosecution had opposed his release on bail, claiming that he was a flight risk and that other portions of the investigations remained open. The magistrate, however, concluded that the prosecution had failed to offer any evidence to back its assertions.
On July 20, 2023, Owino and five other people were arrested on suspicion of plotting to commit subversive actions. According to the prosecution, they intended to provoke violence and cause public disruption. Owino has refuted the allegations.
This is not the first time Owino has been arrested on assault accusations. He was charged with assault in 2017 after reportedly punching a student at the University of Nairobi. He was eventually acquitted of the accusations.
Owino is an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) member noted for his aggressive rhetoric.
It is unclear whether Owino will be convicted of the accusations leveled against him. However, his release on bail is a significant setback for the prosecution.
Here are a few of Owino’s bail requirements:
• He has to pay a Sh100,000 cash bail.
• He is required to go to the nearest police station once every week.
• He must refrain from interfering with the ongoing investigations.
• He must refrain from saying anything in public that might provoke violence.
On August 16, 2023, Owino must appear in court once more.