Babu Owino, Embakasi East MP, has narrated his experience while under police custody. He was arrested on Tuesday last week at JKIA and held by the police for three days until he was presented before the court.
He shared a video on his social media platforms, revealing his arrest at the airport and what happened after. In his statement, he was allegedly abducted, handcuffed and then blindfolded. He was later thrown into the boot of a waiting Subaru.
According to Babu, he was taken to an undisclosed location and immediately placed in solitary confinement. It was reported in the news later, that his family traced him to Wang’uru station and went to see him there.
“For three days, I was not given food, access to my family, and no access to my legal representation. I did not take a bath, didn’t take water, and that was the inhumane treatment accorded to me,” Babu said.
He further wondered what a ‘common mwananchi’ would have to endure if such treatment was given to an MP. He condemned the Kenya Kwanza government for his alleged mistreatment. Babu stated that his only mistake was fighting for Kenyans.
Babu Owino’s fight for Kenyans
“I’m a messenger. You can kill the messenger, but you will never kill the message. If fighting for Kenyans will cost me my life, so be it. Since I was a student leader, I’ve been fighting for Kenyans and will continue fighting for them,” he said.
In addition, Babu said the arrest had catalyzed the fight for a better country. The demonstrations started because of the increased cost of common commodities and the adoption of the Finance Act 2023. Babu stated that the price of items such as unga and fuel increased during his regime.
Read Also: Police on the Spot for Assaulting Journalists Covering Babu Owino’s Trial
In his concluding statements, he mentioned that a good leader ensures that his people do not suffer. He warned the president that he would go down if the administration continued pushing for the Finance Act 2023, proposing more taxes.
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The Finance Act 2023 is still suspended from implementation by the high court after Okiya Omtatah filed a petition against its performance. The president mentioned that he has a backup plan to raise revenue if the Finance Act is halted. His plan B is the introduction of road tax. It includes taxing vehicles according to the value of the car and the passengers that it seats.
Read Also: President Ruto Plans New Car Tax & VAT if Finance Act Blocked
