Babu Owino Leads Legal Fight as 220 Protesters Freed After Kibera Court Drama

Babu Owino has once again positioned himself at the center of Kenya’s growing cost-of-living debate after leading a legal team that secured the release of 220 protesters arrested during demonstrations against high fuel prices and the soaring cost of living.

Speaking outside the Kibera Law Courts, the outspoken Embakasi East MP said the arrests were unlawful and amounted to intimidation of Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights.

“Today at the Kibera Law Courts, I together with other advocates, stood in defense of 220 innocent Kenyans who were unlawfully arrested during protests against the high fuel prices and the rising cost of living,” Babu Owino stated.

The legislator confirmed that all 220 protesters were released on a cash bail of KSh 5,000 each following court proceedings that attracted attention from activists, lawyers, and members of the public.

Babu Owino strongly defended the right of citizens to protest peacefully, arguing that no Kenyan should face criminal charges for speaking out against economic hardships affecting millions of households across the country.

“The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to peacefully picket and express themselves. No citizen should be criminalized for speaking out against economic hardship and unjust policies,” he said.

The arrests had sparked outrage among sections of the opposition and civil society groups, who accused authorities of using force and intimidation to silence dissent over the rising cost of fuel, food, and essential commodities.

Supporters who gathered outside the court cheered as the protesters walked free, with many praising Babu Owino and the legal team for defending civil liberties and standing with ordinary Kenyans during difficult economic times.

The incident has further fueled national debate over the state of the economy, public demonstrations, and the balance between security enforcement and constitutional freedoms in Kenya.