Babu Owino has had a week for the ages. I think if he could rewind time he would not have said the words he uttered about the president. Youthful exuberance is good, actually, it is great! But there is a place and time for it and in this instance, he really messed up.
Sources have indicated that the state is pushing for a maximum sentence of 7 years for the former student leader. They have even sought more time to fully prepare the case against the Babu Owino. On Tuesday, the charge sheet indicated that he had been taken to court for allegedly breaking section 77 of the Penal Code.
The Penal Code stipulates:
Any person who does or attempts to do, or makes any preparation to do, or conspires with any person to do, any act with a subversive intention, or utters any words with a subversive intention, is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.”
The penal goes on to list six other definitions of subversive activities that are: incitement to violence, support for people who wish to act in an unlawful manner, supporting acts that undermine the security of Kenya among others. The alleged statement that is outing babu in hot wtaer and is quoted on the charge sheet is:
“Kama Gaddafi alitolewa na wananchi, kama Ggabo alitolewa na wananchi, kam yahya alitolewa na wananchi, wewe ni nani? Wewe ni mtoto wa mbwa.”
Wow! 7 years for something that was said in the heat of the moment. Be careful what you say say because the law can really mess you up. Also he may still lose his Embakasi seat if the case against him is successful.
