Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino was on Wednesday released by the court on a sh500, 000 bond, and two sureties of Ksh.1 million each after spending two nights in police cells.
Babu’s freedom was however short-lived as he got re-arrested at the Milimani Law Courts moments after he was released.
According to sources, Owino was re-arrested for an offense he committed when he was running for the SONU chairman’s seat.
He was initially arrested on Monday for making distasteful statements in reference to Uhuru Kenyatta and was charged with subversion, incitement and insulting President Uhuru.
In granting the bond, Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi said opposing reasons by the prosecution were not compelling.
“There is no compelling reason to warrant denial of bail. The right of an accused person to be released on bond is enshrined in the Constitution and must be respected,” noted Andayi.
“I am satisfied the accused should be released on bond, He will be released on bail and deposit two sureties of sh1 million each for examination by the court,” added the Magistrate.
Babu was arrested for referring to Uhuru as “motot wa mbwa”(a puppy).
Prosecution argued that the statement was meant to cause disaffection for the President and was also inciting.
Babu uttered the statements on Sunday in Kawangware where he had accompanied other NASA leaders for a rally.
He was represented by senior counsel James Orengo and lawyer Otiende Amollo.
Supporters of President Uhuru protested in Kiambu, Githurai, Limuru and Guthunguri areas on Monday calling for his arrest.
Before he was freed, his supporters had camped outside the Supreme Court chanting ”chiloba ndani, Babu nje.”
At the time of this reporting, details of his re-arresting were scanty.
More updates to follow