Babu Owino Reveals Ruto’s Cabinet Job Offer During Gen Z Protests

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino says President William Ruto offered him the Cabinet Secretary for Education post during the Gen Z protests in 2024, but his principles informed his decision to turn it down.

Owino said the offer came as Ruto faced mounting pressure over the anti-government demonstrations, which led the president to dissolve his cabinet in July 2024.

“Babu was approached during the Gen Z protests; Babu was supposed to be given the minister for Education. I was offered that position by President Ruto himself, and I didn’t take it then. What about now?” he said in an interview on Thee Alfa House YouTube channel.

Owino said his opposition to the broad-based government shaped his decision. He maintained that he rejected the arrangement even when the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga supported it.

“I did so because of my ideologies, what I believe in. And I’ve never believed in the broad-based government, even when Baba (Raila Odinga) was alive,” he said.

“When Baba joined the broad-based government, it is only Babu Owino in ODM that did not join the broad-based government.”

Owino also addressed concerns about leaders linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement having their own parties. The MP argued that leading a political party does not necessarily make someone more open to political persuasion. He said a leader’s principles ultimately determine their loyalties.

Owino defended his decision to establish his own party, saying it would encourage young people to seek elective office at county and national levels, including seats in county assemblies, Parliament, and the Senate, as well as governorships.

He cited past election coalitions, including the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), Jubilee, the National Super Alliance (NASA), and Azimio la Umoja, to argue that parties can unite to contest the presidency.

“There are over 100 parties in this country; it cannot just be news that Babu has a party,” he said.

Owino also pointed to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. He argued that party structures can give politicians a platform to build support and defend themselves.

Owino, who leads The Mwananchi Party (TMP), said ideology, not the prospect of securing government positions, would guide his political decisions.