KTN News anchor Sophia Wanuna put Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on the spot over his HELB loan, during an interview in which the legislator fiercely defended defaulters, while criticising the board for threatening to publish their names on leading newspapers.
On Monday, November 18, Owino informed Wanuna that he had a pending loan, which he vowed to default, as the government promised Kenyans free education.
The anchor had argued that it was dishonest of those in gainful employment to default HELB loans and not support others.
"My salary is used to pay school fees for my constituents. I do not receive any money as I have a contract with the needy people in my constituency," Owino defended.
The ex-student leader stated that it would be a breach of privacy if HELB went on to publish the details of loan defaulters in the newspapers.
"In my own thinking, I think the loans should not be paid because education is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution.
"I will not pay my own. I was called to acquire knowledge in the university. The government promised us free primary and secondary education and university should be free. Kshs 40,000 is not sufficient for a normal university student," Owino argued.
He went on to urge President Uhuru Kenyatta to write off the Ksh6 billion loans, reminding the head of state of numerous times the government had done the same for farmers and struggling parastatals.
Owino disclosed that he had spoken to his lawyers who would seek an injunction to prevent HELB from publishing the defaulters' names.
However, he also had an alternative plan in case his lawyers fail to reach a consensus with Helb.
"I will also meet with University student leaders to plan a way forward. I will also move the issue to the floor of to the parliament," Owino informed Kenyans.co.ke on phone.
Kenyans on social media teamed up and taunted the lender after it threatened loan defaulters in a Sunday, November 17 notice.
