By John Mutiso
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has dismissed claims that he directs social media commentator Scophine Otieno, popularly known as Maverick Aoko, to attack the Odinga family online.
In a statement on Monday, December 15, Babu said Aoko operates independently, and he has never told her to attack the Odinga family.
“Maverick Aoko is my friend and my fierce supporter, for which I’m truly grateful and appreciative.
“Oftentimes, when she posts on X, people are under the impression that I am the one who tells her what to post. Maverick is an independent-minded person. I do not know her sources and have never told her to attack the Odinga Family,” Babu said.
The Embakasi East MP went on to say Raila Odinga Junior, Winnie Odinga and Rosemary Odinga are his friends, noting he can never insult their mother.
Babu also expressed respect for Mama Ida Odinga, saying she has always welcomed him when he visits the family.
“Winnie Odinga is my friend, Junior is my friend, and Rosemary is my friend too, how can I insult their only Mother?
“Mama Ida loves me like her own son, welcomes me home and gives me food whenever I visit her. I can never insult such a mum. She’s been good to me, and I love her,” he added.
Babu’s clarification comes just days after Aoko launched attacks on Mama Ida via her X account.
Aoko is an ardent supporter of the ODM MP and has been actively campaigning for him online as he sets his sights on the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election.
Notably, this comes a week after Babu alleged that the organisers of Beryl Odinga’s funeral in Bondo, Siaya County, did not want him to address the mourners.
In a statement on Saturday, December 6, Babu said the crowd who attended the funeral spoke on his behalf after cheering him when he was mentioned.
“They never wanted me to speak today at the burial, but the people spoke for me,” said the ODM MP.
The Embakasi MP, who did not address the mourners, was recognised by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who was reading the names of lawmakers attending the funeral.
