Babu Owino Condemns Mask Vendor Shooting, Slams Governor Sakaja Over “Goons” in Demos

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has issued a scathing condemnation following the shooting of an unarmed street vendor during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The vendor, who was struck in the head by an anti-riot shotgun fired by a police officer, remains hospitalized at Kenyatta National Hospital.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has fueled a growing outcry over police brutality and the government’s handling of peaceful demonstrations.

In a strongly-worded statement, Babu Owino said the attack was not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern of state violence targeting Kenya’s youth and protestors demanding justice.

“Today we are united by grief, anger and a burning desire to search for justice,” said the outspoken legislator. “What happened was not an isolated incident. It was part of a pattern, one where the lives of young people are too often treated as expendable.”

Babu Owino criticized those urging patience or caution in interpreting the facts, pointing out that the reality of the situation was already clear: a peaceful demonstrator was shot without provocation.

“The fact is that a young man is shot. The fact is that demonstrations should not end in death. The fact is that those sworn to protect and serve must be held to a higher standard, not a lower one,” he emphasized. “The police officer who shot one of us MUST be charged with MURDER.”

While confirming the arrest of the police officer involved, the National Police Service (NPS) acknowledged public concern over the conduct of law enforcement.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that investigations are underway and that the officer will face legal consequences.

“Following this incident, the Inspector General ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer,” Nyaga confirmed. “The service does not condone unlawful groupings or excessive force. We are taking steps to identify and act on any misconduct.”

Beyond condemning the police, Babu Owino turned his fury towards Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, accusing him of enabling violence during the protests. Owino claimed Sakaja’s “goons” participated in terrorizing demonstrators alongside the police.

“Sakaja has become the face of evil in the sphere of governance. Sakaja is dead from the neck up,” said Owino in a fiery rebuke. “If I were to go to heaven and find him there, I would defect to Hell. His actions today are the most impenetrable cur that ever kept with men.”

The remarks reflect mounting tension between protestors and state officials, as public confidence in the protection of civil liberties continues to erode.

Kenyans across the country have taken to social media and the streets demanding accountability, not just for the shooting but for broader reform in the policing and political culture that allows such abuses to occur.

“We will remember. We will speak. We will march. And we will not stop until justice is not the exception, but the rule,” Owino concluded.