Sifuna: President Museveni's attack on Babu Owino unwarranted

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hit out at President Yoweri Museveni for attacking Embakasi East MP Babu Owino over claims of interference in Ugandan politics.

Sifuna's comments followed Museveni's accusations that Owino was involved in Ugandan affairs.

"Whatever beef [President] Museveni has with Babu Owino, I strongly object to the manner of his attack on a young Kenyan leader on our own soil," said Sifuna.

"Kenya is a country ruled by law and if there is any objectionable conduct on the part of Babu, there are diplomatic channels to convey that to Kenyan authorities and let the law take its cause," he added.

On Tuesday, August 27, Museveni, speaking at State House, Nairobi claimed he frequently encounters intelligence reports mentioning Owino.

"There are some individuals in Raila's group who I don't think know what they are doing. I am a consumer of intelligence services...I always see intelligence service reports. There's a character called Babu. I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups in Uganda,'" said Museveni.

Museveni made the comments while endorsing Raila Odinga for the African Union chairperson position, describing Odinga as a suitable candidate for the role.

He accused Owino of supporting the anti-National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda and collaborating with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Owino has been a vocal supporter of Kyagulanyi and has publicly declared his support for his movement and ideologies.

Sifuna said grievances should be addressed through diplomatic channels rather than public attacks.

"To use a presidential podium to make such grave accusations against a Kenyan is a no," he noted.