University of Nairobi Students Riot over Arrest of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino

A section of University of Nairobi (UoN) students on Saturday morning staged demonstrations in the streets on Nairobi demanding for the immediate release of Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino.

The controversial MP was arrested outside Parliament buildings by Flying Squad officers on Friday over claims of assaulting a parking attendant at a parking lot in Westlands, Nairobi.

The students blocked sections of the roads leading to the Nairobi central business district, claiming that the MP is being falsely accused.

"We only have two ultimatums for us to get off the streets. We demand the release of our comrade Babu Owino and release of our money so that we can proceed with learning," some of them shouted.

In a post on social media on Friday evening, Babu said he had been taken in for "attempting to overthrow the government".

"Been arrested. Held at Parklands. Charges are two. Harbouring intention to overthrow the government. Assault. It shall be well," he told his Twitter followers.

Speaking to The Star via phone, the youthful MP said that the arresting Flying Squad officers told him they had orders from Nairobi Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Nicholas Kamwende.

"I was arrested and booked in here and the only person who can clearly tell the nation what happened is DCIO Kamwende Ireri."

"I hope he comes clean on this because I am innocent on any allegations being fabricated," the first-term legislator said.

Nasa leaders led by Raila Odinga visited Parklands police station, where he spent the night, to try and secure his release.