Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has spoken candidly about his past struggles and mistakes. During a recent interview on the Alex Mwakideu (AMTV) podcast, the legislator addressed his history of substance abuse and public altercations.
He framed his life story as a journey of transformation from a troubled student leader to a focused national politician.
Owino, who served four terms as the president of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU), admitted that his rise was not without controversy. He told the podcast that he is open about his past because he wants to leave a better legacy.
Admitting to Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The MP was surprisingly open about his previous battle with drug addiction. He stated that he had previously used hard drugs but has since changed his lifestyle. Owino noted that he has always been public about these personal failings.
"For every saint, there is a past. Babu Owino has always admitted his past mistakes, the ones that I did, I admitted and took responsibility,” he said.
"The most dangerous ones like even taking cocaine, I admitted, took responsibility and stopped. Same case with alcohol.”
Confrontations and the Mike Jacobs Incident
Owino also recounted a specific moment of violence from his time as a student leader. He recalled an altercation with his former political rival, Mike Jacobs, which took place at a petrol station.
The MP admitted that he was held legally accountable for that incident.
"Babu Owino was arrested, charged with assault. I agree babu Owino anytime has always come out and said."
The DJ Evolve Case and ‘Restorative Justice’
The MP touched on the 2020 shooting of Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve.
On the podcast, Owino described his actions following the incident as a form of restorative justice. He stated that he remains a close friend of the DJ and continues to support his recovery.
"I took responsibility, and I take care of the medical costs up to date."
Owino concluded by comparing his life to the biblical transformation of Saul to Paul. He argued that no leader is perfect and that everyone has a past they must reckon with. He told the host that he intends to use his experiences to better serve the people of Nairobi as their next governor.
"For every saint there's a past. So we are not all perfect, but we want to make this world a better place."
