Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has alleged that President William Ruto approached him about taking up the Cabinet Secretary for Education position during the Gen Z-led protests in 2024, claiming he rejected the offer because it conflicted with his political beliefs.
According to the legislator, the alleged proposal was made when the government was under intense pressure from young protesters demanding accountability, economic reforms and changes in leadership.
The demonstrations, which were largely triggered by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, eventually led to President Ruto dissolving his Cabinet in July of that year.
Speaking during an interview on Thee Alfa House YouTube channel, Owino said he had personally been offered the education portfolio by the Head of State but chose not to accept it.
“Babu was approached during the Gen Z protests; Babu was supposed to be given the minister (Cabinet Secretary) for Education. I was offered that position by President Ruto himself, and I didn’t take it then, what about now?” he said.
The MP explained that his decision was informed by his disagreement with the broad-based government arrangement, which brought together leaders from the ruling side and sections of the opposition.
He maintained that his position remained unchanged even when the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, popularly known as Baba, supported the arrangement.
“I did so because of my ideologies, what I believe in. And I’ve never believed in the broad-based government, even when Baba (Raila Odinga) was alive,” he said.
Owino further claimed that he was the only member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who refused to join the arrangement despite Odinga’s participation.
“When Baba joined the broad-based government, it is only Babu Owino in ODM that did not join the broad-based government.”
Ruto announced the dissolution of his Cabinet on July 11, 2024, following sustained public demonstrations and growing dissatisfaction with his administration. He later nominated a new team as part of efforts to respond to the political crisis.
The MP’s remarks come as political discussions intensify around the Linda Mwananchi movement and the future ambitions of leaders seeking to establish independent political identities before the 2027 General Election.
Owino argued that forming a political party does not automatically make a politician vulnerable to influence from other political leaders or government officials.
He maintained that a leader’s ideological convictions, rather than party ownership, should determine their political choices and alliances.
The legislator also defended the establishment of his own political outfit, The Mwananchi Party (TMP), saying it was intended to create more opportunities for young Kenyans interested in elective leadership.
He said the party could offer aspiring politicians a platform to contest positions at different levels of government, including county assemblies, the National Assembly, the Senate and gubernatorial seats.
To support his argument, Owino pointed to Kenya’s history of political coalitions, citing the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), Jubilee, the National Super Alliance (NASA) and Azimio la Umoja.
He argued that the existence of multiple political parties should not prevent leaders from cooperating when pursuing a common electoral objective, including the presidency.
“There are over 100 parties in this country, it cannot just be news that Babu has a party,” he said.
Owino also referred to the removal from office of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza while explaining why politicians should consider establishing their own political parties.
He suggested that independent party structures could help leaders build their own support networks and provide a political platform from which to respond to challenges facing their careers.
His position reflects his broader argument that politicians should develop independent political bases instead of relying entirely on established parties or alliances.
The Embakasi East legislator reiterated that his political decisions would be guided by his convictions and policy positions, insisting that the possibility of securing a government appointment would not be enough to persuade him to abandon his principles.
