“Every degree I earned was not just for me. It was for my mother, for my siblings, and for every child who thinks their dreams are too big for their background.” – Hon. Dr. Babu Owino’s words
On May 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kenya saw a momentous occasion when 609 new lawyers were admitted to the bar, one of whom was one of the most visible and vocal parliamentarians in Kenya’s recent history, Hon. Dr. Paul Ongili Owino (Babu Owino).
It was significant for Babu to be admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
A Life of Hardship in the Beginning
Babu was born on October 10, 1989, in the Nyalenda slums of Kisumu, living a life of poverty and struggle, persevering through the tough times. From an early age, he was exposed to the harsh realities of the world.
His father passed away while Babu was still in primary school, at which point his mother became the sole breadwinner. She often sold chang’aa (illegal home-brewed liquor) and encountered police gunfire along with various other forms of violence. There were moments when the family would risk a beating from the police and not return safely home.
It was clear that Babu had a firm understanding of social injustice from an early age. Witnessing his mother’s pain and humiliation fueled his quest for educational achievement and commitment to justice.
The feelings he was cultivating in these early years, along with his understanding of hardship and injustice, built an ideal for Babu’s future as a lawyer who would defend the voiceless and serve as the conscience of power.
Academic Excellence Against All Odds
Despite the challenges, Babu Owino excelled in school:
Primary School: He scored an impressive 403 marks out of 500 in his KCPE exams at Kisumu Township Primary School.
High School: He joined Kisumu Boys High School and achieved an A- (78 points) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
A-Levels: He pursued further studies at Millennium Academy in Nairobi, scoring distinction-level marks. Educational Background
Primary Education: He scored 403 out of a possible 500 marks in the KCPE exams at Kisumu Township Primary School.
Secondary Education: He attended Kisumu Boys High School, studying for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and leaving with an A- (78 points).
A-Level Studies: He enrolled in Millennium Academy in Nairobi for A-Level studies, attaining distinction level, achieving grades.
He excelled so greatly in his studies that he was admitted to the University of Nairobi, matric with an Actuarial Science degree, amongst the most difficult degree programs available. In 2012, he graduated with First Class Honours – an extraordinary accomplishment in this field.
Babu topped this off by completing his Studies even with a Bachelor’s of Laws (LL.B) degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 2017 with Second Class Upper Division. He also completed a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree.
He has a Master of Architectural Science, he achieved a total of 6 professional diplomas in very different study disciplines – Mathematics, Law, Chemistry, Statistics, Accounting, and Mechanics.
In recognition of his academic performance and political leadership, he received an honorary Doctorate in Political Leadership from Weldios University in Benin!
Educational Background
Primary Education: He scored 403 out of a possible 500 marks in the KCPE exams at Kisumu Township Primary School.
Secondary Education: He attended Kisumu Boys High School, studying for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and leaving with an A- (78 points).
A-Level Studies: He enrolled in Millennium Academy in Nairobi for A-Level studies, attaining distinction level, achieving grades.
He excelled so greatly in his studies that he was admitted to the University of Nairobi, matriculating with an Actuarial Science degree, amongst the most difficult degree programs available. In 2012, he graduated with First Class Honours – an extraordinary accomplishment in this field.
Babu topped this off by completing his Studies even with a Bachelor’s of Laws (LL.B) degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 2017 with Second Class Upper Division. He also completed a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree.
He has a Master of Architectural Science, he achieved a total of 6 professional diplomas in very different study disciplines – Mathematics, Law, Chemistry, Statistics, Accounting, and Mechanics.
In recognition of his academic performance and political leadership, he received an honorary Doctorate in Political Leadership from Weldios University in Benin!
Early Leadership Development and Ascent to Politics.
Admission to the Bar: A Critical Point of Purpose
The journey to becoming an advocate has taken years of learning, commitment, and resilience. Babu Owino participated in the Advocates Training Programme (ATP) at the Kenya School of Law, passed the rigorous Bar examinations, and complied with all the requirements for admission. Babu Owino’s admission on 23 May 2025 was made before Chief Justice Martha Koome. Dressed in the cues of an advocate, wig and advocate’s cloak, Babu was before the highest court in Kenya, but not as a legislator, but as a lawyer who promised to uphold the Constitution and serve justice.
A Mission Beyond Parliament
Upon his admission, Babu Owino made an inspirational post on social media, stating,
“I’m now an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. This feat is not mine alone, it belongs to every single child from the ghetto, to every mother who sacrificed everything, and to every youth who dreams of a better tomorrow…”
He declared that he would use his Advocated status to advocate for causes affecting ordinary Kenyans. Those include:
Challenging unconstitutional laws
Fighting for economic justice and access to education. Achieving impact on both legislative and judicial platforms. He warned that the government better be ready for ” stronger arguments in defence of Kenyans, both in Parliament and now also in court”
Symbol of determination and renewal
Dr Babu Owino’s story is an inspiring example of how determination and education can change lives. From slum boy to MP and now to attorney, he inspires millions. He doesn’t hide from his shortcomings or his past; he leverages them in order to teach, inspire, and uplift.
A New Phase of Leadership that awaits
Babu Owino’s journey to admission to the bar is not over – it is just the start of a new phase. With the dual capacity of a legislator and legal practitioner, he is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the law and the people.
In a country that cries out for the rule of law, accountability, integrity, and youth leadership, his voice, now that it has the authority of legal legitimacy, will be more significant than it was in Parliament.
