Babu Owino Fires Back: “We Were Cleared” Amid Ksh77M Bursary Misuse Claims

Babu Owino Fires Back: “We Were Cleared” Amid Ksh77M Bursary Misuse Claims

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has strongly dismissed allegations linking him to the mismanagement of Ksh77 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries.

On Friday, July 4, Owino addressed a viral social media post accusing him of overseeing bursary forms with no admission numbers, bounced cheques, and failing to involve a bursary vetting committee.

“Fake News from Desperate Opponents”

“This is fake news from desperate and unworthy opponents,” Owino said in a firm statement.
He clarified that the Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu, had already cleared Embakasi East for its bursary disbursement.

“The Auditor General cleared us for having used the Constituency Development Fund effectively,” Owino stated.

To prove his claim, the MP shared a record of Gathungu’s official audit report. According to the Auditor General, only Ksh52.5 million was disbursed as bursaries—not the Ksh77 million alleged.

Auditor General’s Report Speaks

The audit confirmed that the Ksh52.5 million was properly used.
Ksh41.4 million went to secondary schools, while Ksh8.05 million was allocated to tertiary institutions.
The remaining amount was channeled to other educational grants and transfers, which were all accounted for.

The AG’s report read:

“As required by Article 229(6) of the Constitution, based on the audit procedures performed, except for the matter described… I confirm that nothing else has come to my attention to cause me to believe that public resources have not been applied lawfully and effectively.”

One Blot in the Report

However, the Auditor General did point out one shortcoming—the absence of a bursary vetting committee.

“Management did not constitute the sub-committee known as the Education Bursary, Mock Examinations and Continuous Assessment Tests Committee,” the AG noted.

This contravened Regulation 21(3) of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Regulations, 2016.
By law, every constituency must form a sub-committee to ensure fair and efficient distribution of bursaries and education support.

2027 Politics Already Heating Up

Owino’s critics suggest the recent attacks could be politically motivated.
He is rumoured to be eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
With stakes already high, he believes his rivals are trying to taint his name early.

“This is a calculated move to damage my name as I plan for the next step in leadership,” Owino declared.

As the battle for Nairobi intensifies, expect more drama, counterclaims, and fierce political exchanges in the coming months.

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Babu Owino Fires Back: “We Were Cleared” Amid Ksh77M Bursary Misuse Claims