NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East MP and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Babu Owino has responded firmly after being summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to appear at its Western Region offices in Kakamega over recent violence linked to the Linda Mwananchi rallies.
The summons follows clashes between rival groups at the rallies, which resulted in deaths and injuries.
One of the fatalities, George Olande Otobe, died during the February Kakamega rally after a confrontation that escalated into mob violence.
Another death had occurred earlier in Kitengela. Authorities say investigations are ongoing into security breaches, including the alleged carrying of weapons by some supporters, contrary to laws governing peaceful assembly.
In a letter dated March 17, 2026, obtained by Y news, Babu challenged the DCI’s decision to summon him to Kakamega instead of Nairobi, describing the move as an intimidation tactic and politically motivated. He urged investigators to uphold the rule of law and warned against abuse of authority.
“In the past few days, junior officers allegedly working on your instructions have purported to summon me to appear before them in Kakamega for interrogations over the successful Linda Mwananchi rally that took place at Amalemba grounds and Mbale,” Babu wrote.
He also cited the Court of Appeal judgment in Civil Appeal No. 197 of 2020 on the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act, urging the DCI to clarify its legal interpretation to avoid misuse of the Act against political actors.
Babu attended the rallies alongside a splinter group of ODM leaders, including Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi.
Observers say the incident underscores heightened political tensions ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting concerns about the intersection of law enforcement, political activity, and civil liberties in Kenya.
Authorities have indicated that investigations into the Linda Mwananchi rallies will continue as they seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the unrest and ensure accountability for public safety breaches.
