Popular youth leader and activist Calvince Okoth, widely known as Gaucho, has fired back at Embakasi East MP Babu Owino over remarks suggesting he would be dismissed from his public role should the legislator become Nairobi governor.
In a strongly worded response, Gaucho dismissed the comments as misguided, defending both his appointment and his contribution to youth empowerment.
He expressed gratitude to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for appointing him to the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital board, terming the move as a deliberate effort to uplift jobless youth and steer them away from crime.
“Such opportunities are meant to empower young people and help them move away from goonism and other criminal activities,” Gaucho said.
He took issue with Owino’s criticism of his academic background, arguing that leadership and service should not be reduced to classroom credentials alone.
Gaucho emphasised that his role does not involve performing medical duties but rather contributing to governance and community representation.
Gaucho also challenged the MP to reflect on his own record, questioning how many young people he has helped secure employment within his constituency as part of addressing unemployment and crime.
In a recorded video clip circulating online, Gaucho urged Owino to better understand the struggles many youths face before judging them.
“Babu, I have accepted that you will sack me, but let me ask you, have you ever done background checks of those youth who engage in criminal activities? If you were lucky to study, don’t chest-thumb or look down upon others,” he said.
The youth leader further defended his appointment, reiterating that Governor Sakaja’s administration is focused on inclusivity and giving opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The exchange follows remarks by Owino during an interview on NTV on Monday, May 4, where he hinted at a shake-up in Nairobi County leadership if elected governor, citing what he termed as incompetence in public service.
“I am not saying people will lose their jobs, but the likes of Gaucho will automatically lose their jobs because how do you expect a doctor who sat in class for seven years to be directed by Gaucho who thinks in installments,” Owino said.
“We cannot do that, because even him (Gaucho) will have a muscle pull of the brain when he is seated with doctors there,” he added.
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