Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has sharply criticized former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera for circulating what he termed as fake and inflammatory content aimed at inciting ethnic tensions.
Nyakera, who was recently dismissed as Chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), shared a fabricated news article falsely attributed to Nation newspaper.
The fake story claimed Babu had made tribal remarks targeting Nyakera, statements allegedly made in the context of their competing ambitions for Nairobi’s gubernatorial seat.
According to the falsified article, Babu purportedly said, “Nairobi does not elect Kikuyus. Go be governor in Murang’a. This city can’t be run by someone who only understands wholesale banana and hawking in Gikomba.”
Nyakera shared a screengrab of the fake article on his Facebook page, accompanied by a caption accusing Babu of tribalism.
“I am deeply disappointed by the tribal and degrading remarks from a young leader. No tribe owns Nairobi,” Nyakera wrote. “This city belongs to all of us, including Kikuyus, hawkers, Gikomba merchants, and every hardworking citizen who resides here.”
He continued with a sharp rebuke: “As for me, my track record speaks louder than his insults. I’ve never needed to shoot or kill anyone to gain attention. And in case he thinks we’ve forgotten—DJ Evolve is still in a wheelchair, and justice has never been served.”
Nyakera added: “Nairobi will never be led by tribal bigots or reckless gunmen. This city deserves a leader grounded in unity, integrity, and accountability.”
Despite being alerted by followers that the article was fake and possibly part of a smear campaign, Nyakera did not delete the post.
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In response, Babu Owino lashed out at Nyakera, accusing him of corruption and incompetence during his time in public service.
“You looted KEMSA by awarding tenders to your relatives,” Babu fired back. “Kenya Airways posted losses for three straight years while you sat on the board. You stole from the SGR project as PS Roads. You got 60 votes in the 2022 Murang’a gubernatorial race, and you couldn’t even manage one building in Nairobi.”
He added: “No wonder every president has shown you the door. You were born incompetent, Irungu Nyakera if you can’t tell fake news from fact, how can you understand the real problems of Nairobians? You are a weakling.”
