Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has moved to set the record straight after a photo of him alongside President William Ruto’s son, Nick Ruto, went viral over the weekend, igniting speculation and online debate.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 14, the outspoken lawmaker clarified that the image circulating on social media was not recent, but rather taken in 2018—long before he made a personal decision to quit alcohol.
“Let me clarify this for the record. The last time I drank alcohol was on 17th January 2020. The photo below was taken in 2018. I have been sober for the past five years. I will transform the lives of Nairobians and Kenyans the way I transformed my life,” Babu said.
The explanation comes after a section of Kenyans questioned why the ODM legislator, who has been one of President Ruto’s fiercest critics, was pictured enjoying nightlife with his son.
Babu’s statement not only sought to quash the narrative but also reinforced his recent push to rebrand himself as a sober, reform-minded leader. His future in ODM, however, remains cloudy. Just two weeks ago, on August 29, he declared that his political brand was “bigger than almost 100% of parties in Kenya” and hinted he could comfortably contest elections without ODM’s ticket.
The legislator is also a key face in the Kenya Moja faction—an emerging grouping of youthful MPs presenting themselves as an alternative political force. The bloc includes Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi, among others. According to Babu, at least 70 MPs have expressed interest in joining.
The timing of the viral photo, therefore, struck many as politically sensitive, with critics quick to speculate about his alliances and lifestyle. But with his emphatic clarification, Babu Owino appears intent on keeping the focus on his transformation story and growing political influence rather than old photographs.
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