Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Honorable Babu Owino, received a heroic welcome on Thursday, October 2, 2025, during the funeral service of the late Cabinet Secretary Hon. Dalmas Otieno in Migori County.
However, what was meant to be a unifying event has since sparked online debate after a video emerged showing Owino being seemingly mistreated before his celebrated reception.
In the now-viral footage, Owino was seen being allocated a seat outside the main tent, directly under the scorching sun.
This seating arrangement left the youthful MP exposed to harsh weather conditions while other dignitaries and party officials enjoyed the comfort of shade under the canopy.
The incident drew murmurs among mourners, with many questioning the motive behind the unusual protocol.
Witnesses at the event revealed that the Embakasi East legislator did not immediately protest but quietly endured the situation, even as fellow mourners expressed their displeasure.
“It was clear he was being sidelined. Everyone saw it, and people started whispering,” said one attendee.
Despite the awkward start, the atmosphere dramatically shifted when Babu Owino rose to speak. The crowd erupted in applause, cheering and chanting his name.
His fiery speech resonated with the audience, sealing his heroic reception and overshadowing earlier tensions. Videos of the reception quickly spread online, with many Kenyans praising his resilience and popularity among the masses.
Social media has since been abuzz with mixed reactions. Supporters lauded Owino’s composure and ability to win hearts despite attempts to humiliate him.
Critics, however, suggested that the incident reflected simmering tensions within the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), especially as succession politics continue to brew.
Political analysts noted that the episode could signal deeper rifts in ODM’s internal hierarchy. “Babu Owino has increasingly positioned himself as a rising force in national politics.
Incidents like this, whether accidental or deliberate, show that not everyone is comfortable with his growing influence,” remarked political commentator Mark Ouma.
As Kenyans continue to dissect the video, Babu Owino himself has yet to issue a public statement on the matter. However, his heroic reception in Migori demonstrates that despite protocol mishaps, his political star remains on the rise.
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