The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has now withdrawn the summon issued to Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili Owino alias Babu Owino.
The DCI detective Eunice Njue on July 22, 2024, had summoned Babu Owino to present himself before the investigative agency’s headquarters on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, to shed light on the probe into incitement and money laundering offences.
However, in turn of events, the detective has now said the vocal legislator doesn’t need to appear before the investigators.
Taking to his official social media pages, the lawmaker revealed a text message sent to him by Detective Njue on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, informing him about the cancellation of the summon.
“Refer to my earlier notification. Hon. Dr. Babu Owino you are no longer required to avail yourself. Thank you,” Njue’s message reads.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker has now accused the detectives of trying to intimidate him into silent.
“The DCI has unceremoniously withdrawn their summon. I was to be accompanied by my advocates, MPs and The people of Kenya, but it appears news of our visit in our thousands prompted them to recall their invitation,” he wrote.
“I reiterate that we shall not be intimidated into silence. No matter the price, we are ready to pay for it! a screenshot of their communication is posted below.”
Offence
In a letter that was served on Monday, July 22, 2024, the lawmaker was expected to shed light on the offence of police incitement and money laundry.
According to the detectives, the lawmaker is believed to be involved or has information which can assist with the investigations.
“Powers to compel attendance to police station/police officer under section 52(1) of the national police service act 2011 of general functions, powers, obligations and rights of police officers in the service 1 Eunice Njue Rank C. I attached to DCI Nairobi county Headquater station an inquiring into an alleged offence of Police incitement and money laundry c/sec 96 of the penal code, where I do believe you Babu Owino involved or have information which can assist me in my investigations, ” part of the DCI summon letter reads.
“Under the powers conferred to me under this section, I request you Babu Owino to report to me at headquarters July 2024 at DCI Nairobi county police station today on the 24th day of 09:00 hrs midday am and furnish me with full information concerning the case.”
The detective further stated that the MP would be rendered liable for prosecution if he failed to adhere to the summon.
“NB: Note that failure to comply with the above requirement renders you liable for prosecution,” part of the DCI summons letter reads.