Babu Owino Alleges Security Withdrawal After Participating in June 25 Demos

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has claimed that the government has withdrawn his official security detail, just hours after he participated in the June 25, 2025, memorial protests alongside thousands of Kenyans.

Taking to his Facebook page on Thursday morning, Owino described the move as a political retaliation for exercising his constitutional right to protest. The demonstrations were held in remembrance of at least 60 people who lost their lives during the deadly June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests.

“Yesterday, I stood with the people, not against the nation, but for its future,” Owino wrote. “Today, in retaliation, the government has withdrawn my official security.”

The vocal lawmaker, who was pictured being lifted by an energized crowd in Nairobi’s Central Business District, walked side by side with Gen Z protesters—many of whom praised his presence as a rare act of political solidarity.

“Let me be clear: this is not just an attack on me, it is an attack on democracy itself,” he added. “When elected representatives are punished for standing with the people, it is a sign of a government that fears accountability, not one that serves.”

Babu’s statement quickly gaining the online eyes, drawing both support and criticism argue that his participation reflects the growing convergence between the political class and citizen-led movements demanding reform. Detractors, however, questioned the authenticity of his stance, calling it opportunistic.

Still, the June 25 demonstrations marked a powerful anniversary—one year after a brutal crackdown left dozens dead and many more injured. What began as a call for fiscal transparency has morphed into a broader fight for justice, human rights, and accountability.

Owino has long been considered a controversial yet influential figure in Kenya’s political landscape. His vocal support for Gen Z protesters has further cemented his role as a youth-aligned leader—even as it draws heat from the state.

With tensions rising and civic unrest gaining momentum, the move to withdraw his security is likely to fuel further debate about freedom of expression, state overreach, and the limits of dissent in Kenya’s current political climate.