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Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Tuesday sharply criticized Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for his remarks regarding Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, accusing the Ugandan leader of interfering in Kenyan domestic affairs. Museveni had suggested that Owino was meddling in Ugandan politics by associating with his political opponents.
In a statement posted on X, Sifuna expressed his disapproval of Museveni’s approach, particularly his choice to publicly reprimand Owino while on Kenyan soil. “Whatever issues Museveni has with Babu Owino, I strongly object to the manner of his attack on a young Kenyan leader in our own country,” Sifuna stated.
He further criticized Museveni for not using proper diplomatic channels to address his concerns, arguing that Kenya is a nation governed by law. “If there is any misconduct on Babu’s part, it should be addressed through diplomatic channels with Kenyan authorities, allowing the law to take its course,” Sifuna added. “Using a Presidential Podium to make such grave accusations against a Kenyan is unacceptable.”
Museveni made his controversial remarks in Nairobi on Tuesday while endorsing Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. During his speech, Museveni expressed his discontent with Owino’s alleged involvement in Ugandan politics, stating, “There are some individuals in Raila’s group who I believe don’t know what they are doing. I receive intelligence reports, and there is a character called Babu. I always see Babu interacting with anti-NRM groups. I have never accused him before, but now I am.”
Babu Owino, known for his close ties with Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, Museveni’s primary political rival in Uganda, responded to the allegations via a post on X.
“I appreciate President Museveni’s support for Baba’s bid for AUC Chairmanship,” Owino began. He then shared his perspective as a young Kenyan leader who has personally experienced poverty and understands the struggles faced by many in both Kenya and Africa.
“If you tell me you’ve slept hungry, I know what that means because I’ve been through it. If you say you lack school fees, I understand because I’ve faced that too,” Owino wrote. He emphasized the responsibility of leaders to provide solutions to the challenges in Kenya and Africa, advocating for a democratic society where children in both Kenya and Uganda receive equal opportunities for education, healthcare, and employment.
“Because of this, we must offer alternative visions of leadership that will save Africans from the shackles of oppression and the jaws of poverty,” Owino stated.
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