Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, widely known as Babu Owino, has pledged to provide free legal services to Kenyans who cannot afford representation following his admission to the Roll of Advocates on May 23, 2025.
Babu was among 609 new lawyers admitted to the bar during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court of Kenya and presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome. Speaking after the event, he emphasized his commitment to using his legal knowledge to serve the underprivileged.
“This is not for personal glory. It is for you—that Kenyan who is suffering somewhere, who is looking for justice,” he said.
Raised in the Nyalenda slums of Kisumu, Babu recounted his humble beginnings and how his mother sold chang’aa to make ends meet. The MP said his experiences growing up in poverty deeply influenced his decision to pursue law and now offer pro bono services.
“When Mom was selling chang’aa, when we could not even afford legal representation… today we are here because of that reason,” he reflected.
Babu’s academic journey has been equally remarkable. He holds four degrees: a First Class Honours in Actuarial Science, a Master’s in Architectural Science, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master’s in Law. Each of these, he says, represents a family member who never had the chance to receive formal education.
“I wanted to do a degree for everybody in that house,” Babu shared. “We were told that education is the key to success, so I saw—why can’t I have many keys to success?”
Describing his journey as a steeplechase, Babu said it demanded immense effort, focus, and what he called “greed”—not for wealth, but for knowledge and justice.
With his admission to the bar, Babu Owino aims to redefine public service by ensuring that justice is not a privilege of the wealthy but a right accessible to all. His move has been lauded as a bold example of leadership grounded in empathy and service.
