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, was among 609 lawyers admitted to the bar as Advocates of the High Court of Kenya on Friday.

The milestone ceremony marks a significant achievement for the outspoken legislator, who has long balanced his political ambitions with a robust academic and professional journey.

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the ceremony, delivering a powerful charge to the 609 new members of the bar.

She emphasized that their admission came with weighty responsibilities and urged them to be guided by principles of courage, integrity, and service to the people.

“The black robe you wear is not a symbol of status but a symbol of trust. As new advocates, consider how you will use your voices and skills to bring justice closer to the people. There will be pressure to compromise, to look the other way, to stay silent, but I urge you to be bold. Speak up for the voiceless, stand firm for what is right. That is what Kenya needs and that is what the robe demands,” said Chief Justice Koome.

The Chief Justice also acknowledged the evolving nature of legal practice, highlighting the growing importance of digital platforms and the need for innovation.

“Lawyers play a vital role in strengthening democracy, protecting rights and ensuring access to justice for all Kenyans. As the legal landscape evolves, we must embrace innovation and recognize the growing influence of digital platforms in legal practice,” she noted.

Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo congratulated the new advocates and provided insights into the professional expectations that accompany their new title.

“There can be no better balancing of power and ensuring this constitution that we so proudly hold comes to life than by having we as advocates championing and defending what we believe in. We all have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to defend justice,” said Ndemo.

A foundation built on excellence

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

According to official records, including Parliament’s website, MP Owino holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, a Master’s in Actuarial Science, and a Bachelor of Laws.

His academic journey is a testament to determination and intellectual capacity, rooted in humble beginnings in the Nyalenda slums of Kisumu.

Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Owino cited the inequality and harassment he witnessed while growing up in the Nyalenda slums as his main motivation for pursuing a law degree and eventually completing the Kenya School of Law course to be admitted as an advocate.

“Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans in the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies, most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were,” Owino told reporters.

He recounted how many residents, including his own mother, were unaware of their rights and had fallen victim to injustice on multiple occasions. His mother was arrested several times and, instead of being arraigned in court, would be beaten by police and forced to pay bribes from her meager chang’aa sales proceeds.

In a statement shared on social media, Owino reflected on his journey: “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.”

A few moments after his admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Babu Owino secured the release of 200 inmates jailed for petty offences by settling their fines at several Nairobi prisons

Looking ahead, Owino declared his intention to use his new legal credentials to represent Kenyans, particularly in opposing policies that threaten their livelihoods.

“The government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defense of Kenyans both in Parliament and in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable,” he said.

The newly minted advocate’s dual role as both parliamentarian and legal practitioner positions him uniquely to bridge the worlds of law and politics.

His supporters are confident that his energy and commitment will see him excel in both capacities, potentially reshaping how elected officials engage with the justice system on behalf of their constituents.