Kenyans online fault Judiciary after Babu Owinos release

A section of Kenyans on Tuesday took to social media to slam the country’s judicial system for what they termed as gross incompetence in their handling of high profile cases involving wealthy and prominent individuals.

This comes after the release of controversial Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on a Ksh.10 million cash bail in a case where he is accused of shooting Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve.

In an unusual ruling on Monday, Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi directed that the Ksh.10 million be paid in four installments of Ksh.2.5 million for the next four months; the lawmaker was to be released after paying the first installment.

The Magistrate also noted that the money will be used to settle the victim’s medical bill with the amount that remains unused serving as bail.

Babu Owino was further prohibited from indulging in any form of narcotics or alcohol in a public establishment.

The ruling however sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans on Twitter (KOT), reigniting debate on how cases involving prominent and apparently wealthy individuals are handled as opposed to those involving the common citizens.

A group of activists early Tuesday morning mounted banners along major highways in the city, with one of them inscribed with the words: “Why is the majority of inmates in Kenya the poor people? We demand a working judiciary free of corrupt judges now!”

Another read: “Akashas were free in Kenya for over 4 years with cases, but were jailed in 2 months by a USA court. We demand a working judiciary free of corrupt judges now!”

“Will Kidero, Sonko or Waititu ever step in jail for corruption? We demand a working judiciary free of corrupt judges now!” Read a third one erected on Landhies Road.

At Nyayo Round about. We need change. The judiciary is a rotten institution. Maraga is actually useless. #BabuOwino pic.twitter.com/RfmZ9qsZvv

— Mike Sonko Fans Page (@mikesonkofans) January 28, 2020

#BabuOwino released on 10m Bail. No Kenyan should act surprised. 10m hospital fees for someone who might never walk again!!!

If the crime is bailable how come #Jowie is still in???

Work hard my frens, hii Kenya si ya maskini.Sadly Watch how he will prolong this case for 30 yrs pic.twitter.com/KwmD8fd0iF

— Nasir (@nasirkenya) January 27, 2020

Welcome to Kenya, where jails are made for the poor, #BabuOwino pic.twitter.com/Nyb4GVIgBR

— Thee_Pluto (@thee_Pluto) January 28, 2020

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you'd lose your life and Mheshimiwa gets on with life.
Watu wenu tu ndio watajua uzito wa kukupoteza.#BabuOwino

— Mjengo Specialist (@JoeKisii) January 27, 2020

This is the most real concern I have seen this year. Retweet until it get to the owner of the dogs #BabuOwino pic.twitter.com/r8lrNWZN6n

— Kaberia wa Kaberia. (@Kaberia_jr) January 28, 2020

What the hell is this hooligan doing outside prison? #BabuOwino The judicial system in Kenya should audition for stand up.Worst jokers!!

— Githiomi Njuguna (@GithiomiN) January 27, 2020

If it is really true that the Trial Magistrate in granting bail to #BabuOwino , ordered that the bail money be used to pay hospital bill for DJ Evolve, then that ruling can’t stand & the Magistrate has to be sacked for unmitigated incompetence. It is North Korean jurisprudence.

— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) January 27, 2020

The reason why babu Owino has been released . pic.twitter.com/J8uCEKrE2W #BabuOwino

— NICHOLAS Trump OSEKO (@Nichonasri1) January 27, 2020