Babu Owino Contrasts Ol Kalou Gifts With Homa Bay Weapons
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino used a public appearance in Nyandiwa on Sunday to highlight what he sees as a sharp difference in political treatment between two regions of the country.
He compared the atmosphere surrounding a recent by-election in Ol Kalou with the hostile reception faced by the Linda Mwananchi movement during its activities in Homa Bay. According to the lawmaker, one area received tangible development items while the other encountered crude weapons and intimidation.
Speaking directly to the contrast, Owino pointed out the gifts associated with Ol Kalou and set them against the tools of confrontation reported in Homa Bay. “Ol Kalou wakipewa viatu, hapa Suba, hapa Homa Bay unapewa rungu,” he said. He expanded the point by noting the presence of a large water body in the lakeside region yet still observing a lack of practical support. “Ol Kalou wakipewa boats, na hapa tuko na bahari, kule Ol Kalou hakuna bahari, walipewa boats sai wanatengeneza meli. Hapa Nyandiwa instead of kupewa boats unapewa mawe,” the MP added.
The remarks came in the wake of reported disruptions during the Linda Mwananchi tour, where organisers claimed groups of young people had been mobilised to interfere with planned events. Owino criticised what he described as growing intolerance in parts of Nyanza and accused certain leaders of fostering an environment in which violence replaces constructive engagement. He also drew attention to other alleged differences in how residents are treated. “Kule Ol Kalou wanapeana gas cooker, hapa Nyandiwa unaambia lazima upewe sanduku la maiti,” he stated.
Beyond the immediate comparison, the Embakasi East representative urged a shift in focus toward the needs of young people. He argued that instead of arming them for political battles, leaders should create genuine opportunities that address unemployment and other daily challenges. “Hii serikali iko na over 280 parastatals, then vijana wanapewa rungu na wanaambiwa wachukue kisu,” Owino said, stressing that government resources exist but are not being channelled productively toward the youth.
These comments form part of a wider conversation as the Linda Mwananchi group continues its regional engagements ahead of the next general election. Homa Bay has become an increasingly contested space, and Owino’s words reflect the frustration felt by visiting leaders over the obstacles they have encountered. By placing the experiences of Ol Kalou and the lakeside county side by side, he sought to underscore the need for politics based on development rather than confrontation.
