Robert Alai Moves to Court to Halt Babu Owino’s Teaching Lessons

By Collins Wasike 

 In a surprising legal twist, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has filed a petition in court seeking to bar Embakasi East MP Babu Owino from continuing his popular online teaching sessions, arguing that the country already has enough qualified teachers.

Speaking outside Milimani Law Courts on Monday morning, Alai stated, “While I appreciate the enthusiasm, we must respect professional boundaries. We have trained educators who are underutilized. Parliamentarians should legislate, not lecture.”

Babu Owino, known for his viral mathematics tutorials aimed at helping high school students prepare for national exams, has garnered praise from many quarters for his unconventional approach to public service. However, Alai insists that the lessons, though well-intentioned, undermine the role of certified teachers and blur the lines between governance and education.

The petition, which is expected to be heard later this week, calls for an injunction against further teaching broadcasts by the MP, citing concerns over curriculum accuracy, lack of pedagogical training, and potential misinformation.

Education stakeholders are divided. Some argue that Babu’s efforts fill a gap in student support, especially in underserved areas. Others side with Alai, warning that unchecked teaching by non-professionals could set a dangerous precedent.

In response, Babu Owino tweeted, “Teaching is a noble act. I will not be intimidated. If helping students is a crime, then I plead guilty.”

As the legal battle brews, Kenyans are watching closely, torn between admiration for Babu’s initiative and questions about the role of elected officials in non-legislative domains.

Whether the court will side with Alai’s call for professional boundaries or uphold Babu’s educational outreach remains to be seen.