Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was noticeably absent during the National Assembly session on October 8, 2024, where MPs voted on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The session saw 281 lawmakers vote in favor of removing Gachagua from office, but Babu had different priorities that day.
Focusing on His Constituency
Babu Owino made it clear that his absence was not due to lack of interest, but rather because he was attending to more pressing matters.
“I was highly engaged with other important and urgent matters affecting my constituents,” he explained.
For him, dealing with the issues in Embakasi East took precedence over the political drama unfolding in Parliament.
Babu Owino Criticizes Parliament’s Focus
Babu was not shy about sharing his thoughts on the impeachment session.
He felt that the time spent discussing Gachagua’s fate could have been better used to address the real issues Kenyans are facing.
“How can I waste my precious whole day discussing Rigathi? We have serious issues like the high cost of living, high taxes, unemployment, and the new university funding model,” he said.
The speed with which Rigathi was impeached should be the same speed used to solve Kenyans challenges,’’
He added that he would only attend sessions that tackle the everyday struggles of Kenyans.
“You’ll see me in Parliament when these issues are presented, but they won’t bring them,” he said.
Rigathi Gachagua Impeachement Vote
Despite Babu’s absence, the vote went on.
A total of 281 MPs voted to impeach Gachagua, with only 44 voting against.
The Deputy President’s impeachment now moves to the Senate, where senators will decide if the charges hold enough weight to remove him from office.
By Vivian K.
