Babu Owino, James Orengo Clash With Directorate of Criminal Investigations Over Kisumu Arrests
Politics Updated: 06 May 2026 18:53 EAT
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Senator James Orengo at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi Kenya
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo on Wednesday appeared at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi, where they recorded statements before addressing the media over what they termed as targeted arrests of their supporters.
The two leaders, accompanied by allies linked to the “Linda Nchi” movement, spoke outside the DCI offices after hours of engagement with detectives, raising concerns over ongoing security operations in Kisumu County.
Babu Owino alleged that several youths linked to their political activities had been arrested and arraigned in court, where police sought extended detention to continue investigations.
“Hawa vijana walikuwa na bunduki wakapelekwa kotini, wakauliza wapewe siku 14. Koti ikawapatia siku 14 ili waendelee mbele na investigations,” Owino told journalists.
He cited the arrest of a young man identified as Gabriel Nyaoke Omar, whom he said was picked up from a matatu in Kisumu and later linked to a murder case involving a General Service Unit (GSU) officer.
“Na huyu kijana naye akawekewa a murder case… kulikuwa na GSU officer ambaye alikufa miaka mitatu iliyopita kule Kisumu,” he said, arguing that the case had previously been investigated and suspects charged.
According to Owino, authorities had earlier indicated that only one suspect remained at large in the case, but the individual had not been identified or arrested to date.
“Sasa huyu kijana wetu… akawekewa hii murder charge ya huyu GSU officer,” he added, terming the move unjustified.
The legislator further accused security agencies of targeting individuals associated with their movement following a recent political rally in Kisumu.
“Wanataka kuhakikisha ya kwamba kila kijana ambaye alikuja kwenye rali… wanashikwa wanawekewa murder charges,” he claimed.
Owino also alleged that some suspects were being framed with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
“Kazi ya hawa maafisa wako na mabunduki ambao wanawekea vijana wetu… wako na mabullets ambao wanawekea vijana wetu,” he said.
He claimed that officers from Nairobi had been deployed to Kisumu using official vehicles to carry out arrests without coordination with local units.
“Maafisa wanatolewa hapa DCI Headquarters… wanaenda na Subaru mpaka kule Kisumu wanashika vijana,” he alleged.
The MP said their visit to the DCI headquarters was intended to seek clarification from senior leadership, including the DCI Director.
“Siku ya leo tumekuwa na shida sana na tukasema ya kwamba lazima tukuje hapa… tuongee na DCI Director Amin ambaye hatujampata,” he said.
He added that they were unable to secure a meeting with the deputy director, whom he identified as Onyango.
“Alafu tukapata naibu wake… Onyango amekataa kutuona ako kwenye ofisi,” Owino claimed.
In his remarks, James Orengo shifted focus to the constitutional mandate of the National Police Service, warning against political interference in policing operations.
“First and foremost, under the Constitution of Kenya, the National Police Service is not supposed to take orders… on matters of its operation,” Orengo stated.
He argued that operational independence of the police was being undermined by individuals outside the service issuing directives on arrests and prosecutions.
“It is abundantly clear… that whatever their power and authority outside the National Police Service, are giving directions… This is against the law and the Constitution,” he said.
Orengo further warned against what he described as the influence of “goons” or political actors in directing police actions.
“When goons… become the people who are giving directives to the police… then the entire law… is put into disrepute,” he said.
He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to assert control over police operations and ensure adherence to the law.
“I’m asking the Inspector General to be in charge… There is no way… you send officers from Nairobi to arrest people… without the knowledge of the officers on the ground,” he said.
The governor also alleged that police actions were being used to interfere with the activities of the Linda Nchi movement.
“It would appear that the police are being used to interfere with Linda Nchi and those who support it,” Orengo stated.
He questioned the role of senior government officials in directing police operations, particularly the Interior Ministry.
“The PS Interior is not your superior on the question of operations,” he said, citing provisions of the Constitution and the National Police Service Act.
Orengo warned that failure by authorities to address their concerns could prompt legal action, including private prosecutions.
“The legal options are there… we can give notice to the DPP that we want to undertake a private prosecution,” he said.
He added that they could also file a constitutional petition to challenge alleged violations of the law.
“The door is still open to us; the law can be used effectively,” he noted.
On public gatherings, Orengo emphasized that the police are obligated to provide security for lawful assemblies.
“When somebody gives a notice for a public meeting… you are required to give protection,” he said.
He cautioned that continued interference with political activities could escalate tensions between citizens and law enforcement.
“If you stand in the way… we cannot also guarantee your safety,” he warned.
The leaders maintained that their push was aimed at defending constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and expression.
“We must stand up for our rights. Not to kneel down for our rights,” Orengo concluded.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations had not issued an official response to the allegations by the time of publication.
The developments come amid heightened political activity and increased scrutiny over the role of security agencies in handling politically sensitive cases.
Observers note that the outcome of the investigations and the response from authorities could significantly influence public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
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FELIX MAKONA
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