A Nairobi court has dismissed the criminal case against Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and six co-defendants.
This decision follows an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw the case.
“I have considered the submissions, the application made by the prosecution is meditated and therefore the case is terminated,” said Magistrate Onyina.
The dismissal comes as a relief to Babu and the six others, who were charged in 2023 with conspiracy to commit subversive activities. With the charges now dropped, they are free from the legal proceedings that had been looming over them.
The charges were initially brought against Babu Owino and his co-accused amid nationwide anti-government protests sanctioned by the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
These protests, which took place in response to various government policies and actions, saw widespread participation from opposition supporters. Babu Owino, a vocal and prominent opposition figure, was arrested during this period of heightened political tension, which added to the gravity of the charges.
The co-accused individuals charged alongside Babu Owino include Calvina Okoth Otieno, also known as Gaucho, Tom Ondongo Ong’udi, Michael Otieno Omondi, Pascal Ouma, Kevin Wambo, and Willys Owino Baraka.
They were accused of conspiring to undermine the government through subversive activities, charges that carry significant political and legal implications.
The DPP’s decision to apply for the withdrawal of the case signals a shift in the handling of politically sensitive cases and may be seen as a move towards reducing the political tensions that have been prevalent in the country.
The withdrawal application and subsequent dismissal of the case could also be interpreted as an effort to foster a more conciliatory political environment.
The dismissal of the charges against Babu Owino and his co-accused marks a significant turn of events in Kenya’s political landscape.
As they return to their daily lives and political activities, the broader implications of this development on opposition movements and government relations remain to be seen. For now, the conclusion of this case brings a moment of respite for those involved and their supporters.
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