Babu Owino: ‘I stopped smoking bhang six years ago’

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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has clarified that he stopped smoking bhang and taking alcohol six years ago.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, he responded to a tweet from a member of the public seeking confirmation after Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi claimed that Babu smokes bhang “thrice a day like a doctor’s prescription.”

“I stopped smoking bhang in 2020. For the past six years, I only drink water. My focus now is leadership, service, and delivering results for Nairobians,” he said.

He went on to say he has moved “from Saul to Paul,” highlighting his personal transformation and renewed commitment to public service.

"Jeff, you know that Saul is the man who wrote many books in the Bible. Every human being has a dark past. But there is always time to reform," he said.

Mr Owino pointed to his record in Embakasi East as evidence of his ability to lead.

“When I took the Embakasi East seat, the constituency was ranked 270th. Eight years later, it is at position one. I made a covenant with God to work for the people, and the results speak for themselves.”

On Nairobi governance, he cited major challenges affecting residents, including water, drainage, and waste management.

“We need at least two new dams. Today, Nairobians drink water supplied through rusty pumps. Give youth, give women jobs to collect garbage. If it rains, the town is waterlogged,” he said.

He said it was clear the current governor Johnson Sakaja couldn't even collect garbage.

"Nairobi is filthy. Jeff, collecting garbage is not technical.  My leadership as the next Nairobi governor will be youth-driven, hands-on," he said.

He also highlighted his legislative achievements, including the Kenya School of Law Bill, which he said benefits all Kenyans, and another Bill being prepared to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

“We want to do what the government cannot do,” he added, stressing accountability, decisive leadership, and practical solutions for Nairobi.