“I Won’t Apologise”: Babu Owino Dares Sakaja Over Building Collapse Remarks

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has maintained his position over controversial remarks concerning the collapse of a building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, saying he will not apologise or delete his statements despite reported legal threats.

According to a post shared by Berur FM, the legislator has challenged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to face him in court over the matter. Babu reportedly said he was ready to question Sakaja for seven hours during cross-examination.

The dispute follows Babu’s comments about the collapsed building and the responsibility of Nairobi County authorities to ensure the safety of residents. The MP insists that, as an elected representative, he has a duty to question public officials over issues affecting the people he represents.

Building collapses can cause deaths, injuries and damage to property. Such incidents often raise questions about construction standards, building approvals, inspections and whether the relevant authorities acted on safety concerns before a structure failed.

In Nairobi, responsibility for building safety involves several processes, including approval of construction plans and enforcement of applicable building regulations. Investigations are necessary to establish why a particular building collapsed and whether any individuals or institutions failed to meet their legal obligations.

Babu’s reported remarks indicate that he is prepared to defend his statements rather than withdraw them in response to legal pressure. However, the available post does not provide the exact wording of the disputed comments or details of any formal legal notice issued to the MP.

It is also unclear whether Sakaja has filed a court case against Babu or whether the two leaders have been summoned to appear before a court over the disagreement. These details would need confirmation before the matter could be described as an active court dispute.

The disagreement highlights the tensions that can arise when elected leaders demand accountability from public officials following incidents that affect residents. At the same time, allegations concerning responsibility for a building collapse must be supported by evidence and the findings of relevant investigations.

Babu has maintained that questioning public authorities is part of his responsibility as a legislator. The next development will depend on whether legal proceedings are initiated and whether either side issues a further statement.

For now, the exact legal position remains unclear based on the information provided, while the dispute centres on Babu’s refusal to apologise and his challenge to Sakaja.

Leahkurisonwrites feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com