Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Admitted as Advocate of the High Court of Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 23, 2025 — Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has achieved a significant milestone in his multifaceted career by being officially admitted to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya on Friday.

He was among 602 advocates admitted to the bar during a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

The ceremony, held at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, marks a new chapter for the outspoken legislator, who has long balanced his political ambitions with a robust academic and professional journey.

Babu Owino’s academic journey is a testament to his determination and intellectual capacity, rooted in humble beginnings in Kondele, Kisumu. From 1995 to 2002, he attended Kisumu Township Primary School, where he scored an impressive 394 out of 500 marks in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).

His academic excellence continued at Kisumu Boys’ Secondary School from 2003 to 2006, where he achieved an A- with 80 points in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

In 2008, Owino enrolled at the University of Nairobi, where his passion for mathematics led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science.

He graduated in 2012 with First Class Honours, a remarkable feat that he has often attributed to his dedication to education as a means to escape poverty.

In 2013, he returned to the University of Nairobi to study law, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2017 with Second Class Honours, Upper Division.

Owino’s pursuit of knowledge extends far beyond his undergraduate studies.

He holds master’s degrees in both Actuarial Science and Law from the University of Nairobi.

In 2024, he announced he was pursuing a third master’s degree in Economics, with final examinations expected in February 2025.

Additionally, Owino has earned six diplomas in Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Law, Accounting, Chemistry, and Statistics through a scholarship with Cambridge systems for A-level studies.

In November 2023, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Leadership from Weldios University in Benin Republic, further cementing his academic credentials.

Babu Owino admitted to the bar as advocate of the High Court.

In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Owino reflected on his journey and the significance of his admission to the bar:

“Today marks a historic chapter in my journey—my admission to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans at the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies, most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were.

“My mother got arrested severally and instead of being arraigned in court would be beaten up by police to pay a bribe from her meagre chang’aa sales proceeds. This has pushed me over the years to study and appreciate the laws of Kenya and their role in safeguarding justice, both procedural and substantive.

“This achievement is not about personal grandiosity. It is about sharpening the tools of service. The law is now a new battlefield where I will fight even harder for justice, equity, and the rights of the common mwananchi. The Government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans—both in Parliament and now in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable.

“The revolution continues—now with a gown and a gavel. So help me, God.”

The admission ceremony was attended by fellow legislators, legal professionals, and supporters who lauded Owino’s determination.

Social media posts echoed this sentiment, with users celebrating his journey “from a barefoot student in Kisumu” to a sworn advocate, describing it as a testament to his “resilience, intellect, and service to the forgotten.”

Owino’s legal journey has not been without challenges. His political career has faced scrutiny, including a high-profile case in 2018 when his election as Embakasi East MP was initially nullified by the High Court due to alleged electoral irregularities, only to be later upheld by the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

More recently, he faced legal battles, including a 2020 attempted murder charge involving DJ Evolve, which was subsequently resolved through a civil agreement.

These experiences, Owino noted, have deepened his understanding of the law and its impact on society.

His colleagues view Owino’s admission to the bar as a significant addition to Kenya’s legal fraternity. “Babu Owino brings a unique perspective as a legislator and now an advocate,” said Nairobi-based lawyer Jane Wambui. “His ability to navigate both political and legal spheres could amplify his influence in advocating for policy reforms and justice.”

Constituents in Embakasi East have celebrated the milestone, with many expressing pride in their MP’s achievements. “He’s not just our MP; he’s a role model for the youth,” said Mary Ndung’u, a resident of Embakasi East.

Social media sentiments reflected this enthusiasm, with supporters congratulating Owino and highlighting his new dual role as both lawyer and legislator.

As Owino embarks on this new journey, questions remain about how he will balance his demanding roles as a parliamentarian and an advocate.

His supporters, however, are confident that his energy and commitment will see him excel in both capacities. With his admission to the bar, Babu Owino is positioned to make an even greater impact, bridging the worlds of law and politics in service to Kenyans.

The newly minted advocate’s promise of “more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans” suggests that his legal career will be as dynamic and impactful as his political one, potentially reshaping how elected officials engage with the justice system on behalf of their constituents.