Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Denies Role in Marverick Aoko’s Attacks on Odinga Family

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has publicly distanced himself from controversial blogger Maverick Aoko after she targeted members of the politically influential Odinga family in a series of online posts.

In a statement issued on social media, Owino acknowledged Aoko as a “friend and fierce supporter” but was firm in denying any influence over her commentary.

“Maverick is an independent-minded person,” he said. “Oftentimes, when she posts on X, people are under the impression that I am the one who tells her what to post. Those assumptions are misplaced.”

The lawmaker explicitly rejected responsibility for recent personal attacks attributed to Aoko aimed at the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“I do not know her sources and have never told her to attack the Odinga family,” Owino stated, adding that he neither directs her content nor condones such remarks.

He went further to emphasise his longstanding personal ties with the Odingas, describing them as close friends and even family.

“Winnie Odinga is my friend, Junior is my friend, and Rosemary is my friend too,” he said. “How can I insult their only mother?”

Owino spoke warmly of Mama Ida Odinga, portraying her as a maternal figure in his life. “Mama Ida loves me like her own son, welcomes me home and gives me food whenever I visit her. I can never insult such a mum. She’s been good to me, and I love her.”

The statement is widely seen as an effort to contain political fallout and reaffirm his loyalty to the Odinga family, with whom he has been allied through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Notably, Maverick Aoko has been a vocal supporter of Owino and backs his anticipated bid for Nairobi governor in 2027.

The public clarification underscores the delicate balance politicians must strike between managing supporter enthusiasm and maintaining crucial alliances within Kenya’s vibrant and often contentious political landscape.