Babu Owino: We will resign as members of parliament if Kenya Kwanza arrest Raila Odinga

 

Raila Odinga and Babu Owino

Babu Owino, a member of parliament (MP) for Embakasi East, issued a warning on March 21 stating that Azimio legislators would quit if Raila Odinga dared to be arrested by the Kenya Kwanza government.

Standing just outside of the parliament house, Babu said that because of the great esteem that the nation had for the former premier, Odinga, the imprisonment of the former prime minister would be equivalent to treason.

He emphasized that although the widespread protest merely caused commercial disruption in Nairobi, Odinga's arrest would result in a complete shutdown of the country.

"Raila Amollo Odinga is the state's fourth arm. Even if you're not interested in seeing him arrested, you should not want to see this nation fall.

Babu said, "We will fight for a path that will purify this nation once and for all. We have 70 Percent of the country, and we, the MPs, will resign."

The vocal legislator described how the widespread withdrawal would put the nation into political turmoil by paralyzing the legislature, which is responsible for passing laws.

Bobby Mkangi, a constitutional lawyer, said that even if all MPs—including those who support President William Ruto—resigned, it would not affect Ruto's position in the office.

"We will have a spectacular by-election. Even if the county assembly members and governors held power, there wouldn't be a nationwide ballot," according to Mkangi.

Importantly, as the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) has not yet been established, there will be no by-election.

With the resignations of Juliana Cherera, Justus Nyang'aya, and Francis Wanderi, the contracts of previous Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Commissioner Abdi Guliye, and Commissioner Boya Molu expired.

Following suggestions made by the IEBC Tribunal, which found Irene Masit guilty of gross misconduct, her employment was discontinued.

As UDA lawmakers urged Japhet Koome, the Inspector General of Police, to pursue Odinga for the property damage caused by the March 20 mass protest, Babu Owino made his comments to counterattack.