Nairobi, May 23 : Embakasi East Member of Parliament (Mp) Paul ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino has joined the legal fraternity following his admission to the bar as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
The outspoken lawmaker, in a statement on Friday, described the milestone as a defining moment not only in his life but also his career, pledging to use his skills and position to advocate for good governance and empower the less fortunate.
Babu, reflecting on his early life in Nyalenda, Kisumu, spoke of the injustices he witnessed growing up, recounting how his mother was often a victim of police abuse.
"Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans in the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies, most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were.
"My mother got arrested several times and instead of being arraigned in court would be beaten up by police to pay a bribe from her meagre chang’aa sales proceeds. This has pushed me over the years to study and appreciate the laws of Kenya and their role in safeguarding justice, both procedural and substantive," he said.
Babu studied at the University of Nairobi (UoN) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science, graduating with First Class Honors.
He later pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which he completed with a Second Class Upper Division.
Babu went on to attain multiple postgraduate degrees, including a Master’s degree in Architectural Science and a Master’s degree in Law (LLM).
In addition to these degrees, Babu holds six diplomas in various fields and has been awarded an honorary Doctorate in Political Leadership from Weldios University in the Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, Owino said his entry into the legal profession is not about personal advancement, but about deepening his commitment to social justice.
“This achievement is not about personal grandiosity. It is about sharpening the tools of service. The law is now a new battlefield where I will fight even harder for justice, equity, and the rights of the common mwananchi,” he noted.
Babu cautioned the government, noting that he will be acting on behalf of Kenyans, particularly in challenging policies that affect livelihoods.
"The Government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans—both in Parliament and now in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable," he added.
The Legislator has over the years been a vocal advocate for good governance and educational reforms, with a popularity among university students for airing their grievances. He has also had an impeccable development record as the Mp Embakasi East.
