Babu Owino, the Embakasi East Member of Parliament, has accused investigative authorities of intimidation after what he claims were attempts to summon him to Kakamega for questioning over his recent political activities.
In a letter dated March 17 to the Western Regional Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Owino alleged that junior officers, acting on instructions from their superiors, sought to compel his appearance for interrogation.
The summons, according to the legislator, relate to the Linda Mwananchi rallies held at Amalemba Grounds and Mbale on February 21, 2026.
Acknowledging what he described as the “pressure” faced by junior officers, Owino cautioned them to uphold their constitutional mandate.
“I advise that your focus should be on preserving the oath of office you took, which binds you to the rule of law,” he wrote.
The MP questioned the choice of Kakamega as the venue, calling it a calculated attempt to intimidate and silence dissent.
“It is my view that the choice of Kakamega as the venue of torture is not only meant to intimidate and blackmail me, but is a testament to the regime’s determination to suppress the voice of the people,” Owino stated.
Owino further argued that any legal proceedings should take place in Nairobi unless there is a legally recognized forum in Kakamega with jurisdiction over the matter.
He also challenged investigators to consider the implications of a Court of Appeal ruling—Civil Appeal No. 197 of 2020—on the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. The ruling addressed controversial provisions of the law, which critics argue could be misused to curtail free expression.
“Reflect on the jurisprudential impact of this judgment, particularly in relation to efforts to pursue and contain progressive forces within a suffocated democracy,” Owino wrote.
Addressing the Western Regional DCI boss directly, the MP rejected the notion that senior officers should act merely as conduits for orders, emphasizing their responsibility to the public.
“As a man entrusted with the Western region as the Regional County Investigations Officer, I refuse to believe that you are merely a conveyor belt. You hold an office of public trust on behalf of the people of Kenya. The power and privilege that come with this office should not blind you,” he said.
Owino concluded with a quote from Simon Well, underscoring the instability of power:
“Instruments of power—arms, gold, machines, magical or technical secrets—always exist independently of him who disposes of them, and can be taken up by others. Consequently, all power is unstable.”
The situation highlights growing tensions between political figures and investigative authorities, raising questions about the use of summonses and the limits of jurisdiction in politically sensitive cases.
