Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino on Monday dismissed reports that he has been ousted as the Secretary General of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA).
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator stressed that he had stepped down from the role to give other interested politicians a chance to take up the position.
The former Chairperson of Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) stated that following his decision to vacate the position, he would be focusing on other crucial issues which he did not reveal.
Referencing a previous Azimio Coalition meeting, the MP stated that, the decision to step aside alongside other coalition colleagues was personal and voluntary and made in the best interests of the party.
"I stepped down, Hon. Mark Mwenje also stepped down as Deputy Secretary General since he is now Minority Whip and Hon Hezena Lemaletian stepped down as Treasurer and we gave these opportunities to other members," the lawmaker stated.
“We did meet as 15 members of Parliament from the Azimio Coalition and I decided as Babu Owino to step down from my position as Secretary general,” he said.
The MP also dismissed naysayers using the reports on his alleged dismissal a stick to beat him, saying that he does not need the Association, instead maintaining that it is the group that needs him.
"Do I look like someone who can be kicked out of KYPA? It is KYPA that needs Babu, it is not Babu who needs KYPA."
"KYPA must not be overtaken by the government because this is a caucus that should protect the interests of youths in this nation. Otherwise, there was nothing like Babu being kicked out." the legislator maintained.
As part of the changes in the Association's leadership, Babu Owino was replaced with nominated MP Irene Mayaka in a meeting chaired by Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje in Karen, Nairobi.
ODM nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian and Mark Mwenje were also replaced.
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu took over as Treasurer in place of Lemaletian.
Established in 2004, KYPA is a lobby group exclusively designed for MPs who are under the age of 40.
Its current membership comprises 70 legislators.
