Chaos in Court as Babu Owino Moves to Compel President Ruto to Testify in Okanga Case
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced plans to seek a court summons compelling President William Ruto to testify as a key witness in the ongoing criminal trial of political activist Nuru Okanga.
Speaking to reporters outside a Nairobi court on Monday, November 24, the outspoken legislator criticised the prosecution for what he described as deliberate attempts to delay the case. Owino appeared alongside a team of 26 defence lawyers, who collectively accused state counsel of failing to produce an expert witness expected to testify.
According to the defence, prosecutors claimed their cybercrime specialist was unavailable because they had travelled to China, forcing the court to adjourn proceedings. Owino argued that the absence amounted to a violation of the legal maxim “justice delayed is justice denied.”
“Our client is suffering. He travelled from Mumias to Nairobi at his own cost only to find that the prosecution was not ready,” Owino said. “These are signs that the state has already lost this case.”
The MP insisted that the matter could not proceed without the appearance of the complainant, whom he identified as President Ruto. He argued that neither the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) nor state prosecutors could stand in for the Head of State if the case hinged on complaints allegedly attributed to him.
“We want the prosecution to present the main witness, who is the complainant in this matter — President Ruto,” he added. “We want him to come to court. The DCI cannot complain, and prosecutors cannot complain. That is the next application we will be making.”
Charges Against Nuru Okanga
Okanga is facing multiple charges related to publishing false, defamatory and threatening information on social media. Prosecutors allege he posted a TikTok video in which he issued threatening remarks aimed at the President.
In the video, Okanga is said to have urged the then Deputy President to consider violent action against the Head of State — claims he has denied.
He was arrested in Tasia Estate, Nairobi, in January after the clip went viral.
However, during cross-examination, arresting officer Milton Mwanzi told the court that he was unable to verify the authenticity of the video because he lacked cybercrime expertise. He further admitted that officers had not secured any court orders to track Okanga’s movements and that no electronic devices were seized at the time of arrest.
Next Steps in Court
Following Monday’s adjournment, Owino confirmed that the defence would on Tuesday file a formal application seeking to have President Ruto listed as a state witness.
The court is expected to issue directions once the application is filed, potentially setting the stage for a politically charged legal showdown should the President be compelled to testify.
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Chaos in Court as Babu Owino Moves to Compel President Ruto to Testify in Okanga Case