Babu Owino Locks Himself at Parliament for Fear of Arrest, Vows to Spend the Night There

Embakasi Member of Parliament Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino says that he might be forced to spend the night at parliament buildings for fear of arrest.

Speaking to the Star on Wednesday evening, Babu said he had learned that police officers were camping outside Parliament waiting to apprehend him over remarks he made during National Super Alliance (Nasa) rally in Baba Dogo, Nairobi on Sunday.

"Mimi niko hapa Bunge nimejifungia. Hawa askari wako hapa nje na Subaru tatu wangoja nitoke wanishike lakini sioni nikitoka. Kama [mambo yataharibika], nitalala hapa tu," he said.

(I have locked myself up at Parliament buildings. Officers are waiting outside in six Subarus. They want to arrest me but I don't think I will get out. If matters worsen, I will spend the night here)

Babu further noted that the officers were also pursuing Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati and Siaya senator James Orengo for the same reason.

"We were told they were given orders to break into our homes," he said.

"Tell Kenyans of goodwill to bring me a blanket and a mattress so that I can have a place to lay my head. I will appreciate this."

While vowing that the opposition will not succumb to intimidation by Jubilee administration, Babu noted: "Whatever they are doing is not adding value to the country. This is total witch-hunt. An abuse is not a crime. That's a civil matter. If Interior CS Fred Matiang'i feels I abused him let him proceed to a civil court instead of using police to round us up."

Police are not allowed to arrest any MP within Parliament premises, as they are granted partial immunity against prosecution while within the compound.