Babu Owino Ousted in Major Parliamentary Shake-Up

Babu Owino replaced as Secretary General of Kenya Young Parliamentarians Associations (YPA) in key parliamentary changes.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament was dropped as Secretary General of Kenya Young Parliamentarians Associations (YPA), a month after he vacated the position.

Babu Owino was replaced with nominated MP Irene Mayaka in a meeting chaired by Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje at Saboti MP Caleb Amisi’s residence in Karen Nairobi.

Azimio young parliamentarians had convened the emergency meeting after fears that Kenya Kwanza was planning to infiltrate the association and appoint their own members.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian and Mark Mwenje were also replaced. 

Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu was appointed as treasurer to replace Lemaletian. 

Mark Mwenje who vacated his position as Deputy Secretary General noted that they were not moving from the association but were leaving leadership positions to attend to other responsibilities. 

“We do not intend to move out as Azimio from KYPA. We will fight from within unless the position becomes untenable and then it will be a loss for everyone,” he addressed Kenya Kwanza. 

Irene Kasala who was appointed as the new treasurer explained that the decision not to hand first-term MPs the leadership positions had been deliberate. 

“Mostly, these seats are given to first times but we felt there was a need to have maturity and guidance. That is what I wish to offer KYPA,” she stated. 

Mayaka speaking immediately after she was given Owino’s position, the nominated MP vowed to lead the group in checking the government and fighting for Kenyans.

The appointed leaders will be ratified in Mombasa next week when the KYPA holds a retreat in Mombasa. 

KYPA was formed in 2004 and is meant for MPs who are under 40 years old. Currently, the membership is over 70 parliamentarians. 

Babu Owino on Thursday, August 10, was kicked out of parliament and suspended for four sittings after he publicly protested during a discussion of KYPA leadership.