Babu Owino moves to court to oppose Sonko’s ‘draconiac’ directive

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has strongly opposed the Matatu CBD ban saying that there is no record of any form of public participation prior to the directive.

Babu Owino announced  that he has therefore moved to court with immediate effect to seek conservatory orders against the ‘draconian’ directive.

The MP also insists that this declaration is insensitive and  has urged people who mean well for the country to strongly oppose it.

He links his stand to the fact that he pledged to work with other leaders to be of service to the Kenyans.

“Following the Handshake which came after the hotly contested elections of 2017, I pledged to work with all elected leaders to deliver upon our collective promises to Kenyans. As part of this commitment, I vowed to give the Nairobi County Government the space to deliver upon its mandate while I focus on my role as Member of Parliament.” reads post.

Babu Owino has made it clear that the recent declaration of “banning” public service vehicles from accessing the central business district cannot go unchallenged.

“The declaration is illegal and unconstitutional, and cannot stand the test of governance in modern day Kenya. The era of roadside declarations is over.” he added

The County Government is bound under Part V of the County Government Act Section 3 (g) to promote and facilitate citizen participation in the development of policies and plans, and the delivery of services in the county.

Further to this, it is outlined in Part VIII (Citizen Participation) that the County Government shall promote reasonable access to the process of formulating and implementing policies, laws and regulations.

Babu Owino stated that it was wrong for the County Executive to make this decision unilaterally without the input of stakeholders including the general public.

The MP also shared in the complaints by Kenyans as he said that Nairobians are suffering and forced to walk long distances to get to school and their places of work. They are exposed to insecurity when they travel late at night or early in the morning because of the far off places where the PSVs are being directed to collect passengers.

“Furthermore, has the Governor asked himself how the sick are to get to hospital and how persons with disability are expected to move around especially in this wet weather? This roadside declaration is insensitive and must be opposed by all who mean well for this great capital county of ours.” he said

So far two leaders have moved to court with this matter, Nairobi Senator  Sakaja is also on the move to ensure that this directive is blocked.