Embakasi East MP and newly admitted High Court advocate Babu Owino, alongside colleague Abner Mango, sharply criticized the Kenyan government for wasting public resources on prolonged courtroom drama.
Representing three accused individuals; Patrick Nyambaka Osoi (former KDF/NIS), Jackson Kuria Kihara (aka Cop Shakur, former KPS), and Police Constable Hiram Kimathi, the legal team praised Magistrate Richard Koech for granting cash bail in a case that has sparked debates about judicial efficiency and state overreach.
Owino’s remarks highlight growing concerns over the misuse of public funds in Kenya’s legal system.
The court proceedings, held at Kahawa Law Courts, centered on charges related to the trio’s alleged involvement in activities tied to the June 25, 2025, protest anniversary, which commemorated the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Owino and Mango argued that the state’s deployment of excessive police presence during the hearings suggested plans for rearrest, a move they described as unnecessary and a drain on taxpayer money.
“The state must stop wasting public resources on theatrical courtroom tactics,” Owino stated, urging authorities to issue summons for further cooperation rather than escalating legal confrontations.
The case has drawn attention due to Owino’s recent transition from parliamentarian to High Court advocate, a milestone achieved on May 23, 2025.
His legal debut has been marked by passionate defenses, particularly for individuals charged in connection with social media posts and protest activities.
Owino’s advocacy, rooted in his experiences growing up in Nairobi’s slums, has resonated with supporters who see him as a champion of the marginalized.
However, critics argue that his high-profile courtroom appearances risk politicizing legal processes, further fueling debates about judicial fairness in Kenya.
The prosecution’s heavy-handed approach, including a significant police presence outside the courtroom, was a focal point of Owino’s critique. He and Mango contended that such measures intimidate defendants and inflate the cost of judicial proceedings.
“Our clients have complied with all legal procedures. Why waste resources on excessive force when a simple summons would suffice?” Mango asked.
The defense’s arguments reflect broader concerns about the state’s handling of cases involving social media activism and public protests, which have surged in Kenya following the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.
Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, has been mixed. Some users praised Owino’s bold stance against what they perceive as state intimidation, while others questioned whether his involvement as both a politician and lawyer blurs ethical lines.
The case also underscores ongoing tensions between Kenya’s government and its citizens, particularly the youth, who have increasingly used digital platforms to demand accountability.
Owino’s call to stop wasting public resources resonates with those frustrated by perceived inefficiencies in the judicial system.
As the hearing concluded, Magistrate Koech’s decision to grant cash bail was hailed as a victory by the defense, who argued that it affirmed the accused’s right to fair treatment.
However, Owino warned that the state’s tactics could undermine public trust in the judiciary.
“Wasting public resources on unnecessary courtroom drama only deepens the divide between the government and the people,” he said, reiterating his commitment to defending the voiceless.
The case is set to return to court on August 14, 2025, for a mention, with the defense expected to challenge any further attempts at rearrest.
Owino’s remarks have sparked renewed calls for judicial reforms to prioritize efficiency and fairness over what he terms “state-sponsored theatrics.”
The outcome of this case could influence how Kenya navigates the intersection of free speech, protest rights, and judicial resource allocation.
For now, Babu Owino remains a polarizing figure, celebrated by supporters for his fiery advocacy and criticized by detractors for his confrontational style.
His insistence that the state stop wasting public resources on courtroom drama has struck a chord with many Kenyans, who see it as a call for accountability in a system often accused of serving political interests.
As the legal battle continues, the spotlight on Owino’s dual role as politician and advocate will likely intensify, shaping public discourse on justice and governance in Kenya.
