NAIROBI, Kenya- Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has publicly admitted that he previously used drugs and alcohol, revealing during an interview on Citizen television on Sunday night.
The Nairobi gubernatorial candidate, however, revealed that he quit using drugs and alcohol in January 2020 and has remained sober ever since.
“I used to consume bhang, drugs, and alcohol, but I stopped their consumption on 17th January 2020. It has been six years since I touched bhang, drugs, or alcohol,” he said.
According to the legislator, January 17, 2020, remains a defining date in his life.
The lawmaker described himself as reformed, noting that the decision marked a significant turning point in his personal and professional life.
While he did not delve into graphic details about his past habits, he acknowledged that substance use was part of his life before he chose a different path.
Babu Owino: I used to consume bhang, drugs and alcohol, but I stopped their consumption. 17th January 2020, it has been 6 years since I touched bhang, drugs, alcohol, 6 years, and I just drink water; it is in the public domain. John Mbadi should focus on building the nation; he
Over the years, he has built a reputation as a bold and sometimes polarizing figure.
His latest remarks, however, offered a more reflective side, focusing less on political rivalry and more on personal accountability.
Following the airing of the interview, clips of his remarks circulated widely on social media, sparking debate among Kenyans.
Some users praised him for speaking openly about his past and for maintaining sobriety since 2020. Others questioned the timing and motivations behind the disclosure.
Despite mixed reactions online, the MP appeared firm in his message that his past does not define his present.
“It has been six years since I touched bhang, drugs, or alcohol,” he repeated during the interview.
Substance abuse remains a sensitive topic in Kenya, particularly when it involves public officials.
