Kalonzo & Babu Owino on the Spot for Supporting MP Arrested Over Alleged Ethnic Remarks

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are facing backlash after defending Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament (MP) John Kaguchia, who was arrested over alleged ethnic remarks. 

Kaguchia was arrested by DCI officers on the morning of Monday, August 3,  after spending the night at Royal Media Services (RMS).

The MP said he realized that hooded men were waiting for him outside the offices on Sunday evening after appearing on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi show.

“After my Kiririmbi Show this evening, a contingent of Police have surrounded Royal Media Studios and erected road blocks with intentions of arresting me! I will NOT BE INTIMIDATED whatsoever,” he wrote on social media. 

Kalonzo Issues Statement

In a statement, Kalonzo condemned the incident while emphasizing that the opposition does not support incitement from either side of the political divide,

“I strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of Mukurweini MP, Hon. John Kaguchia, over his public remarks. Let me be clear: we do not support incitement, from anyone. Every leader has a duty to protect peace and to respect the rule of law. The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan freedom of expression. The law must be applied fairly, not selectively,” he said.

Kalonzo accused the investigative agencies of double standards, stating that senior government officials have previously made such remarks but no action was taken.

“Yet Mr. Ruto’s regime said “shoot and kill” against our own children. No action followed. The UDA Secretary General and a sitting Cabinet Secretary hurled tribal insults, one going so far as to call an entire community “hyenas.” Again, no action. Why the double standard?”

Also Read: Gachagua Allied MP Arrested by DCI Officers After Sleeping at Citizen TV Studio

Kalonzo Stand on John Kaguchia Arrest Attracts Criticism

Kalonzo’s statement attracted criticism from X users who called him out for supporting Kaguchi despite the alleged tribal remarks.

• YUPPIE – I am pro-wantam but with the remarks he made yesterday,he should have been arrested yesterday and not today. The DCI had delayed.
• Pharma – If this is the opposition we expect to offer a solution to Kenyans then we have a long way to go, a to be presidential candidate is defending this and politicking on the lives of Kenyans
• Ray barasa– You condemn the arrest?.. You are the type of leaders we don’t want to see in our era. Too bad to hear
• Mamo Guyo – Both sides of political spectrum are hypocrites and do not stand for truth nor justice.All characters who incite or spread hate should delt with accordingly.
• Dennis Activist –So he has a right to do so because others did it. I thought your moral compass is higher coz you’re the ones bringing change.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka facing backlash after defending Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament (MP) John Kaguchia after he issued a statement on X. PHOTO/ Kalonzo X.

Kenyans Call Out Babu Owino

Babu Owino is also on the spot with some Facebook user accusing the MP of supporting such pronouncements to get votes from Mt. Kenya residents in 2027.

In a statement, Babu Owino said Kaguchia has the right to make such remarks under the Constitution and condemned his arrest. 

“We strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of Hon. John Kaguchia by the government over his remarks. Some People may disagree with what he said, but in a constitutional democracy, disagreement is never a justification for arrest,” Babu wrote on Facebook.

Also Read: Babu Owino Left ODM Because He Fears Oburu and Wanga – Gaucho

Babu Owino argued that freedom of expression exists to protect not only popular speech, but also speech that is unpopular, controversial, or critical. 

He stated that Kaguchia has been arrested today, but in the future w it could be anyone else.

“We will defend, to the fullest extent of the law, every person’s right to speak freely without fear of intimidation, harassment, or arbitrary arrest. The proper response to speech is more speech, not unlawful repression. A nation that punishes words instead of crimes places the liberty of all its citizens at risk,” he said.

Some of the sampled reactions from Facebook users are as follows 

• Oliver Memcee – Babu how do you defend someone threatening to kill people like that??
• Walter Ochieng – From when incitement became a freedome of expression?
• John Olando – Freedom to incite people? Not boarding
• Derrick Otieno K’apesa – You are becoming petty..When something  is wrong we should all accept. Those were inflammatory remarks that risks plunging the country into violence
• Hon Dave Okoth – The beginning of ur downfall 

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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino facing backlash after defending Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, who was arrested over alleged ethnic remarks. PHOTO/ Babu Owino Facebook.