By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Member of Parliament for Embakasi East has responded to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after he was accused of supporting NRM in Uganda.
Babu Owino took his response to X after the speech of President Museveni at State House, Nairobi during the official launch of Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chair.
The youth legislator reflected on his political journey saying that he grew up in a humble background and understands the plight of the poor.
He further said that having grown up in Kenya he understands what it means to lack and that he knows what it means to sleep without food.
“However, as a young leader in Kenya, having grown up in poverty, I know what it means to lack. If you tell me that you’ve slept hungry, I know what it means to lack food because I’ve been through that,” Hon. Babu wrote on X.
“If you tell me that you lack school fees, I will feel you because I know what it is to lack school fees.”
The Kenyan MP said that comparing the current economic situation in Kenya and Uganda, the youths will need another set of leaders who understand them and the challenges they go through during this era.
“Because of the challenges that we face in Kenya and Africa, we as leaders are meant to provide solutions. We must offer alternative visions of leadership that will save Africans from the shackles of oppression and the jaws of poverty,” he said.
“As Babu Owino, I stand for a democratic society where a child in Kenya will receive proper medication, education and will equally get a job. Equally, a child in Uganda should receive the same treatment as a child in Kenya,” he added.
However, Hon. Babu Owino thanked President Yoweri Museveni for supporting Hon. Raila Odinga and endorsing his candidature to be the chair of the African Union Commission.
The Ugandan President accused Babu Owino of engaging in the opposition politics of Uganda in dealing with anti-NRM groups, revealing that he had such information from Intelligence reports.
“There are some individuals in Raila’s group who I don’t think know what they are doing. I am a consumer of intelligence services so I always see intelligence service reports,” he said.
“There is a character called Babu. I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups. I have never accused him but now I am accusing him,” he added.
The Official launch of Raila’s candidacy for AUC chair was also attended by President Suluhu Samia of Tanzania, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Ex-President of Nigeria Olosegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries.