Babu Owino: President Ruto offered me Education CS job during Gen Z protests

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has claimed that President William Ruto offered him the position of Cabinet Secretary for Education at the height of the Gen Z protests in 2024, but he turned it down because of his political principles.

Owino said the alleged offer came as the President faced mounting pressure over the anti-government demonstrations that eventually forced him to dissolve his Cabinet in July 2024.

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

Owino said his opposition to the broad-based government informed his decision, maintaining that he had declined to join the arrangement even when the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga backed 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.”

President Ruto dismissed his Cabinet on July 11, 2024, following weeks of protests against the Finance Bill 2024 and widespread public discontent; he subsequently nominated a new team.

Owino’s claim comes amid concerns over the political independence of leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, several of whom have their own political parties and could face pressure to shift allegiance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The MP argued that having a political party does not necessarily make a leader more susceptible to political persuasion, saying allegiance ultimately depends on individual principles.

He defended his decision to establish his own political party, saying it would encourage young people to pursue elective positions, including seats in county assemblies, Parliament and the Senate, as well as governorships.

Owino also cited previous election coalitions, including the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), Jubilee, the National Super Alliance (NASA) and Azimio la Umoja, to argue that political parties can work together to compete for the presidency.

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

He further cited the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as examples of why politicians should have their own parties, arguing that party structures could provide a platform for political support and defence.

Owino, who is the leader of The Mwananchi Party (TMP), maintained that his political decisions would be guided by ideology rather than the prospect of securing government positions.