KISUMU, Kenya — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of sponsoring violence at Kisumu International Airport, alleging that more than 200 individuals were mobilised to attack him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking on Sunday Live on Citizen TV, Owino claimed the group accessed the airport premises armed with crude weapons and intended to block their travel to Kakamega.
“We were supposed to go via Kisumu International Airport… yesterday, Raymond Omollo is the one who sponsored goons to access Kisumu International Airport, waiting for Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna,” Owino said.
He alleged that one person died during the chaos and identified the deceased as George Olwandi. According to Owino, the family had addressed the media over the incident. However, by press time, police had not issued an official statement confirming the death or detailing the circumstances surrounding the alleged disturbance.
Owino further claimed he reached out directly to the Principal Secretary after the incident.
“I texted Raymond Omollo…,” he said, adding that he had cautioned him against what he described as “immature” political tactics aimed at provoking clashes.
The lawmaker linked the airport events to the earlier arrest of his brother-in-law. He alleged the relative was later dropped in Machakos following public pressure. Authorities have not publicly commented on that claim.
The Interior Ministry had not responded to the accusations at the time of publication. Efforts to obtain comment from security agencies in Kisumu were ongoing.
Under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, every person has the right to freedom and security of the person, including protection from violence. Airports fall under critical national infrastructure, with security oversight shared between the Kenya Airports Authority and national police units. Any unauthorised mobilisation within airport premises would raise serious security concerns and potential breaches of aviation safety protocols.
Owino also questioned how civilians allegedly accessed tear gas during the confrontation.
“Where did these citizens get teargas from if it is not from the police?” he posed.
Security experts note that tear gas is classified as controlled equipment, typically restricted to law enforcement agencies. If confirmed, unauthorised possession would warrant investigation under public order and security laws.
