Paul Ongili, widely known as Babu Owino, stands out as a prominent Kenyan politician and former chairman of the University of Nairobi students’ leaders body, SONU. Renowned for his outspoken nature, Babu is a figure both admired and criticized by Kenyans, with opinions divided on his bold and unfiltered views.
Early Life
Born on October 10, 1989, Babu Owino’s journey from impoverished beginnings in Nyalenda slums to political prominence is a testament to his resilience. Raised in challenging circumstances, he did not inherit a silver spoon but navigated his way through life with determination.
Babu Owino Educational
Babu Owino’s educational journey reflects his commitment to self-improvement. Despite facing financial constraints, he excelled academically, scoring 403/500 marks in his class eight exams. He went on to Kisumu Boys High School, where he achieved an impressive A-minus in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2005.
His pursuit of education led him to Egerton University for a Business Management Degree, but his passion lay elsewhere. Babu later secured a scholarship to Millennium School in Nairobi, where he completed his A-levels with distinction. In 2008, he joined the University of Nairobi, earning a First-Class Honor in Actuarial Science in 2012.
Also Read: Who is Millicent Omanga? Biography, Education And Political Journey
His academic journey continued with a Master’s Degree in Actuarial Science, followed by a law degree from the UoN School of Law in Parklands, completed in 2017. Babu’s educational achievements include two Bachelor’s Degrees, one Master’s Degree, and six diplomas in various disciplines.
Babu Owino Family
Babu Owino is a family man, married to Fridah Muthoni Owino, with whom he shares two children. He often praises his wife, highlighting her beauty and intelligence, emphasizing her unparalleled qualities.
Babu Owino Political Career
Babu Owino’s leadership qualities were evident from a young age, serving as head boy in primary school, prefect throughout high school, and students’ head at Millennium Academy. In 2011, he became the SONU chairman, and after a brief foray into parliamentary aspirations, he returned to lead SONU for four more years in 2013.
Elected as the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East in 2017 under the ODM ticket, Babu has been an active advocate for his constituency. His initiatives include building schools, addressing water issues, and providing essential supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Babu Owino Controversies
Babu Owino is no stranger to controversy, and one of the most prominent incidents involves the shooting of DJ Evolve in a Nairobi club. While facing legal challenges, Babu maintains his innocence, emphasizing the sub judice nature of the matter. His philanthropic efforts, including providing food and online chemistry lessons during the pandemic, coexist with the controversies that have shaped his public image.