Babu Owino responds to critics after calling Gachagua ‘fadhe’ on live radio
Babu Owino responds to critics after calling Gachagua ‘fadhe’ on live radio
Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has responded to critics after referring to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as “fadhe”, meaning a father figure, during a live radio interview on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The remark sparked debate on social media, with some of the lawmaker’s critics claiming that he had slowly shifted his allegiance to the former deputy president.
Gachagua called into a programme where Babu Owino was being interviewed live on Kameme FM, with the radio host handing over her phone to the lawmaker to have a conversation with Gachagua.
During the exchange, Owino referred to the former DP as “fadhe”, a term commonly used to show respect to an elder or a father figure, after Gchagua addressed him as “my son”.
Responding to the criticism, Owino, in a post shared via his official social media accounts on Saturday, March 14, 2026, defended his choice of words, saying the term was used out of respect for elders and should not be misinterpreted.
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“Respect is a value that should never fade in our society. When I meet someone whose children are my agemates, I naturally choose to address them with the same respect I would give to a parent. Age comes with wisdom, experience, and lessons that guide the younger generation,” Babu Owino stated.
He added that addressing older individuals as “Mum”, “Dad”, “Uncle”, or “Auntie” reflects cultural values that emphasise respect and community cohesion.
“Calling such people ‘Mum,’ ‘Dad,’ ‘Uncle,’ or ‘Auntie’ is not just a cultural habit; it is a way of honoring the journey they have walked before us. Respecting elders strengthens our communities, preserves our values, and reminds us that one day we too will hope to be treated with the same dignity,” he said.
Babu Owino maintained that his comments were purely about respect and cultural norms rather than politics.
During the morning show on Kameme FM, Babu Owino also paid school fees for several students whose parents called in to share their plight.
He reaffirmed that education remains his top priority, highlighting its transformative power in personal and national development.
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