Why I studied law, Babu Owino narrates motivation behind quest to become a lawyer
He shared that most of the time, when his mother was arrested for brewing and selling chang’aa, the police would beat her up and demand she pays a bribe
Harassment of his mother by police officers who demanded bribes from proceeds from the sale of chang’aa pushed Embakasi Member of Parliament Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino into studying Law.
Owino has narrated that while growing up in the Slums of Nyalenda in Kisumu, he was deeply concerned by 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.
He shared that most of the time, when his mother was arrested for brewing and selling chang’aa, the police would beat her up and demand she pays a bribe from her meagre sales instead of being taken to court.
“My mother got arrested severally times 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,” he narrated.
While graduating today from the school of Law, the legislator has sent a warning to the government, adding that it should now brace for more arguments in court and parliament, as he is now an advocate of the High Court following his admission to the bar.
He has promised to champion the lowering of the cost of living, the creation of jobs, and holding the government accountable.
“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,” he stated.
The legislators added that now, as an advocate, he will be sharpening the tools of service for Kenyans.
“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,” he remarked.
The lawmaker has been admitted to the bar today, together with 609 lawyers who have graduated from the Kenya School of Law.
Owino noted that the admission to the bar marks a pivotal turn in his political career and the crusade for justice in the country.
