Babu Owino: I did not bribe or beat anyone to win

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino on Friday took to the witness stand to defend his win in a petition filed by his closest rival Francis Mureithi.

In his submission before Justice Joseph Sergon, Owino denied allegations that he got into Soweto Social Hall, where there were several polling streams, to arrange ballot boxes when there was disorder during voting.

Owino further denied having seen, beaten or ordered goons to beat up his rival Joshua Obiende on the voting day. Mr. Obiende, who was vying under the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, had earlier testified in favour of the petitioner claiming he was beaten by goons working under Babu’s duress.

In regards to allegations that he bribed voters, Babu claimed he could not bribe voters since it is an election offence.

He also told the court that the returning officer’s claim that he intimidated him was a fabrication after he demanded his certificate which was mysteriously missing.

“All the winning parties were presented with form 35C except mine, I rightfully demanded for the certificate because I won fairly,” said Babu.

In his closing remarks, Babu urged the court to find that he won fairly and uphold his election given that all ODM candidates won in Embakasi East.