Embakasi East MP Babu Owino made his first appearance in court as a High Court advocate on Thursday, stepping in to represent two suspects linked to the June 25 protest anniversary demonstrations that shook Nairobi and other regions.
Owino appeared alongside lawyer John Maina to defend Suleiman Wanjau Bilali, a former national boxing team captain, and Robert Otiti Elwak, an ex-Harambee Stars player. The two were arrested in Muthurwa and Kayole and brought to court as police sought to detain them for 10 days to complete investigations.
The pair is accused of sharing false and inflammatory content on social media to allegedly mobilize unlawful protests. Police told Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego that the suspects had posted a provocative protest schedule on X (formerly Twitter), aiming to incite public unrest.
Prosecutors further claimed the two were part of a larger group planning to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations with violent elements, potentially threatening national security and inciting chaos near State House.
According to the investigating officer, the suspects allegedly encouraged looting, disrupted public order, and instigated violence. Authorities requested the 10-day detention period to analyze the suspects’ phones, examine their M-Pesa and bank transactions, and record witness statements.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) supported the request, citing the seriousness and complexity of the case.
However, Babu Owino opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution lacked substantial evidence to warrant extended detention. He defended the suspects as national heroes, highlighting their past contributions to Kenyan sports.
