Governor Sonko defends Sakaja over Babu Owino release

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at a past event. He has defended Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja over his move to secure the release of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. PHOTO | ANTONY OMUYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He said the Senator is still a member of Jubilee Party.
  • Mr Owino had been detained at the police station for two days before being released.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has defended Senator Johnson Sakaja who has been being under attack from a section of Jubilee leaders for securing the release of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Mr Sonko said the gesture by Mr Sakaja was within his democratic and constitutional rights.

He said he did a similar thing some years back when he secured release of members of Mombasa Republican Movement (MRC) from custody.

“You know it is his constitutional and democratic right if he wants to (help) free anyone. I remember I also secured the release of MRC members at the Coast when there were issues of insecurity,” said the governor on Thursday.

JUBILEE

He said the Senator is still a member of Jubilee Party, saying that his act towards Mr Owino who is a member of the opposition should not be seen as a shift of allegiance.

“Maybe he had his reasons for doing that but he is still in Jubilee. He is the Senator, he is a good leader and he is still my friend and he has good ambition. We wish him all the best,” he said.

Senator Sakaja has been under attack from some Jubilee legislators after aiding the release of the Embakasi East lawmaker from Parklands police station last week.

Mr Owino had been detained at the police station for two days before being released.

The leaders who condemned Mr Sakaja include Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and his Kikuyu counterpart Kimani Ichung’wa.

However, on Wednesday, Nairobi Jubilee and opposition MCAs Mr Sakaja saying he has been on the forefront in fighting tribalism and advocating for youth and women agenda in Parliament.