NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was among 609 lawyers admitted to the Bar as Advocates of the High Court of Kenya on Friday 23, May 2025, marking a significant milestone in his legal career.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, presiding over the ceremony, urged the newly admitted advocates to uphold the principles of courage, integrity, and service to the people.
“The black robe you wear is not a symbol of status but a symbol of trust. As new advocates, consider how you will use your voices and skills to bring justice closer to the people. There will be pressure to compromise, to look the other way, to stay silent but I urge you to be bold. Speak up for the voiceless, stand firm for what is right. That is what Kenya needs and that is what the robe demands,” CJ Koome stated.
She emphasized the crucial role lawyers play in strengthening democracy, protecting rights, and ensuring access to justice for all Kenyans. The Chief Justice also acknowledged the evolving legal landscape, highlighting the increasing importance of digital platforms and the need for innovation in legal practice.
“Lawyers play a vital role in strengthening democracy, protecting rights and ensuring access to justice for all Kenyans. As the legal landscape evolves, we must embrace innovation and recognise the growing influence of digital platforms in legal practice,” CJ Koome said.
Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Paul Ndemo, congratulated the new advocates and provided insights into the professional responsibilities associated with their new status.
“There can be no better balancing of power and ensuring this constitution that we so proudly hold comes to life than by having we as advocates championing and defending what we believe in. We all have a responsibility, to uphold the rule of law and to defend the justice,” Mr. Ndemo remarked.
Babu Owino attributed his decision to pursue a law degree and complete the Kenya School of Law course to his experiences growing up in the Nyalenda slums in Kisumu, where he witnessed inequality and harassment. He recounted how many residents, including his mother, were unaware of their rights and often fell victim to injustice.
“Growing up in the slums of Nyalenda, I noticed with deep concern the constant harassment and humiliation of ordinary Kenyans in the brutal hands of law enforcement agencies, most of the time without a clue of what their constitutional rights were,” Owino told journalists.
Official sources, including the Parliament website, list Owino as holding a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, a Master’s in Actuarial Science, and a Bachelor of Laws.
Owino pledged to represent Kenyans, particularly in opposing policies that threaten their livelihoods. “The government should brace itself for more lethal arguments in defence of Kenyans— both in Parliament and in court. Expect legal action aimed at lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and holding systems accountable,” he declared.
