Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has claimed that President William Ruto offered him the Cabinet Secretary position for Education during the 2024 Gen Z protests. Owino said he rejected the offer because of his political beliefs and opposition to the broad-based government.
Speaking during an interview on Thee Alfa House YouTube channel, the legislator said the offer was made when the President faced mounting pressure over anti-government demonstrations.
“Babu was approached during the Gen Z protests; Babu was supposed to be given the minister (Cabinet Secretary) for Education. I was offered that position by President Ruto himself, and I didn’t take it then, what about now?” Owino said.
The MP maintained that his decision was guided by his political principles. He said he opposed the broad-based government even when the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga supported the political arrangement.
“I did so because of my ideologies, what I believe in. And I’ve never believed in the broad-based government, even when Baba (Raila Odinga) was alive,” he said.
Owino further claimed that he was the only member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who declined to join the broad-based government after Odinga entered the arrangement.
“I did so because of my ideologies, what I believe in. And I’ve never believed in the broad-based government, even when Baba (Raila Odinga) was alive,” he said.
Owino further claimed that he was the only member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who declined to join the broad-based government after Odinga entered the arrangement.
“When Baba joined the broad-based government, it is only Babu Owino in ODM that did not join the broad-based government,” he added.
President Ruto dismissed his Cabinet on July 11, 2024, following weeks of protests against the Finance Bill 2024 and public discontent. He subsequently nominated a new team as the government responded to the political pressure.
Owino’s remarks come amid political discussions surrounding leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and their positions ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, the alleged offer to appoint him Education Cabinet Secretary remains a claim made by the MP in the interview.
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