Orengo storms DCI with Babu Owino in explosive showdown over ‘harassed’ aide
Siaya Governor James Orengo on Wednesday dramatically accompanied Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a bold protest over what they described as sustained harassment of the legislator’s personal security aide.
The high-profile visit saw the two leaders appear alongside the aide, Oliver Ochieng, who is reportedly under investigation over alleged possession of a firearm. The trio’s presence at the DCI offices quickly drew attention, with the leaders accusing authorities of weaponising investigations to intimidate political associates.
According to Owino, Ochieng has been repeatedly targeted by law enforcement agencies despite no formal charges being brought against him, raising concerns over due process.
“Police are telling us that they are doing their work, but the work is to harass people. Today, my security aide, Oliver Ochieng, was here at the DCI. If he has committed an offence, why was he not arrested here?” Owino claimed.
The outspoken MP further alleged that there were plans to arrest the aide outside Nairobi, despite his willingness to cooperate with investigators.
“Oliver is here today, but tomorrow, when he goes to Kisumu, he will be arrested. Let everyone do their work; there is no need to undermine people,” he added.
Governor Orengo, a seasoned constitutional lawyer, escalated the matter by raising alarm over what he termed as external interference in police operations, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law.
“Under the Constitution, the National Police Service is not supposed to be under the direction of any power or authority on matters of its operations,” Orengo said.
“It is clear that police officers’ power and authority are being influenced from outside the service on who to arrest, who not to arrest, who to charge and who not to charge. This is against the Constitution.”
He called on the Inspector General of Police to assert the independence of the service and safeguard it from political influence.
Ochieng, who accompanied the leaders, painted a picture of living under constant fear, alleging repeated arrests without charges and persistent targeting by authorities.
“I have been arrested so many times, and sometimes they let me go because they can’t find any charges. I don’t live in peace because people are after me,” he said.
The aide linked his troubles to his close association with Owino, urging law enforcement agencies to focus on genuine criminal activity rather than political intimidation.
“I support Babu Owino, and that is why I am being followed. Stop harassing us and go after people committing crimes out there,” he added.
The incident adds to growing concerns over alleged politicisation of investigations, with calls mounting for transparency and adherence to constitutional safeguards within Kenya’s policing system.
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