Museveni clashes with Kenyan MP over Bobi Wine support

“There are some individuals in Raila's group who I don't think know what they are doing. I am a consumer of intelligence services, so I always see intelligence service reports,” Museveni stated.

“There is a character called Babu. I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups. I have never accused him, but now I am accusing him.”

Museveni’s remarks marked a rare direct accusation against a foreign legislator, highlighting growing tensions between his administration and political elements within Kenya that he perceives as hostile. His comments were seen as a warning to leaders and politicians in the region who align themselves with Ugandan opposition movements. Museveni's presidency, which has lasted over 38 years, has often been criticised for its autocratic nature and suppression of dissent.

Owino hits back

In response to Museveni's accusations, Babu Owino took to the social media platform X to defend his position. The outspoken Kenyan MP dismissed Museveni’s remarks, emphasising his commitment to democratic values and governance. Owino reiterated that his political stance is shaped by his personal experiences growing up in poverty, which has made him acutely aware of the struggles of the poor and marginalised.

“I thank President Museveni for supporting Baba’s bid for AUC Chairmanship. However, as a young leader in Kenya, having grown up in poverty, I know what it means to lack,” Owino stated.

“If you tell me that you’ve slept hungry, I know what it means to lack food because I’ve been through that. If you tell me that you lack school fees, I will feel you because I know what it is to lack school fees. Because of the challenges that we face in Kenya and Africa, we as leaders are meant to provide solutions.”

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Bobi Wine Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Bobi Wine Pulse Live Kenya

Owino's response, while acknowledging Museveni's endorsement of Raila Odinga, subtly criticised the Ugandan leader’s governance style. The Kenyan lawmaker advocated for the rights of Ugandan people to live in a democratic society and called for alternative visions of leadership across Africa. Owino highlighted the importance of creating equal opportunities for children in both Kenya and Uganda, emphasising that Africans deserve leadership that addresses their basic needs and protects their rights.

“As Babu Owino, I stand for a democratic society where a child in Kenya will receive proper medication, education, and will equally get a job. Equally, a child in Uganda should receive the same treatment as a child in Kenya,” Owino noted.

“Because of this, we must offer alternative visions of leadership that will save Africans from the shackles of oppression and the jaws of poverty.”

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also came out in support of Owino, criticising Museveni's approach to the issue. Sifuna objected to Museveni's decision to publicly reprimand a Kenyan leader on Kenyan soil, arguing that diplomatic channels should have been used to address any grievances.

"Whatever beef Museveni has with Babu Owino, I strongly object to the manner of his attack on a young Kenyan leader on our own soil," Sifuna stated.

He added, “Kenya is a country ruled by law, and if there is any objectionable conduct on the part of Babu, there are diplomatic channels to convey that to Kenyan Authorities and let the law take its course. To use a Presidential Podium to make such grave accusations against a Kenyan is a NO!”