Babu Owino Biography: Nationality, Tribe, Real Name, Parents, Wife, Children

Babu Owino — formally Paul Ongili Owino — is one of Kenya’s most talked-about young politicians. A former student leader who rose to national attention in the University of Nairobi’s SONU, he later transitioned into mainstream politics and won the Embakasi East parliamentary seat in 2017. His mix of activism and controversy has made him a household name.

Profile

• Full Name: Paul Ongili Owino
• Stage Name: Babu Owino
• Born: October 10, 1989
• Age: 36 years old (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Occupation: Politician, Lawyer
• Religion: Christianity
• Spouse: Fridah Muthoni
• Children: Yes (number not publicly specified)
• Relationship: Married

Early life and background

Born in Kondele, Kisumu County, Owino grew up in the Nyalenda area. He frequently references his upbringing as the foundation for his political and social justice ambitions.

Education and student activism

Owino studied at the University of Nairobi where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and later pursued a Master’s in the same field. During his time at UoN he was elected chairperson of the Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU), a role that raised his national profile. The Parliament of Kenya profile lists his academic history.

From SONU to mainstream politics

Leveraging his student leadership experience, Owino contested and won the Embakasi East parliamentary seat in August 2017. He has since been active in parliamentary committees and youth-focused campaigns.

Political style and public image

Known for direct rhetoric and social-media savvy, Owino is a polarizing figure: admired by many youths for speaking boldly and criticized by others for confrontational behavior.

Legal career and admission to the bar

Owino was admitted to the Roll of Advocates on 23 May 2025 — a milestone covered by national media, who reported that he pledged to take on pro-bono cases and to use his legal training to support justice for the underprivileged.

Controversies — DJ Evolve shooting and other incidents

Among the high-profile controversies is the January 2020 shooting at B-Club (Kilimani) involving DJ Felix Orinda (DJ Evolve). Owino faced attempted murder charges; the case attracted extensive media coverage and later developments saw the complainant withdraw prosecution and the matter move away from a criminal conviction. The affair sparked debate on accountability and restorative justice in Kenya.

Legislative work and constituency focus

Parliament records show his committee work and service to Embakasi East. Supporters point to constituency projects and youth programs; critics call for detailed impact assessments to measure long-term benefits.

Personal life

Owino is married to Fridah (Frida) Muthoni — they met at the University of Nairobi. Media reports indicate they have children, but the exact number reported varies between sources.

Net worth

There is no single authoritative public figure confirming a precise net worth for Babu Owino. Online outlets sometimes offer estimates; rely instead on official asset disclosures for accuracy when available.

FAQs

Conclusion

Babu Owino’s life and career reflect the tension between activism and institutional politics in modern Kenya. From student leader to parliamentarian and now an admitted advocate, his path has been dramatic — shaped by strong public support, controversies and legal milestones. Observers on all sides agree: he will remain a major figure in Kenyan public life for years to come.