Babu Owino: Most of my cases will be pro bono

Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has pledged to offer free legal representation to Kenyans who cannot afford it.

Speaking after being admitted to the Roll of Advocates, he announced that most of the cases he handles will be on a pro bono basis.

Babu was among 609 lawyers admitted to the bar on May 23, 2025, in a ceremony held at the Supreme Court of Kenya and presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

“I thank the Almighty God for having made it possible… we have reached this level,” he said, reflecting on a long and difficult journey.

Babu, who grew up in the slums of Nyalenda, shared how his past shaped his mission to fight for the underprivileged.

“When Mom was selling chang’aa, when we could not even afford legal representation… today we are here because of that reason,” he said, adding that his background is the reason he wants to serve those often overlooked by the justice system.

Comparing his academic journey to a steeplechase, he said it demanded “effort, focus, and greed,” underscoring the intensity and drive that brought him to this point.

“This is not for personal glory,” he said. “It is for you—that Kenyan who is suffering somewhere, who is looking for justice.”

Babu holds a degree in actuarial science and later pursued a law degree from the University of Nairobi.

In total, he has earned four degrees. In 2023, he revealed that each degree symbolised a tribute to a member of his family.

“The Actuarial Science First Class Honours was for my mother. Then I did a Master's in Architectural Science for my sister, a Law degree for my brother, and a Master's in Law for myself,” he said.

His decision to pursue multiple degrees, he explained, was born out of a family agreement.

Having grown up in poverty, his family members never had the chance to go to school. So, they agreed he would be the one to carry the academic torch.

“I wanted to do a degree for everybody in that house,” he said. “We were told that education is the key to success, so I saw—why can’t I have many keys to success?”

With his new role as an advocate, Babu Owino says he is committed to using his legal training not for status, but as a tool for justice