Babu Owino's Family Bows Down To Pressure, Addresses On His Alleged Indian Ancestry

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has once again found himself the subject of online speculation, with a section of Kenyans questioning his ethnic background.

The chatter, which claims the outspoken legislator has Indian ancestry, has been firmly dismissed by his family in Siaya County.

Speaking from Ogare village in Got Matar, Bondo, Babu’s relatives described the claims as false and disrespectful.

They emphasized that Babu, whose real name is Paul Ongili Owino, is Luo by birth and upbringing.

His aunt, Angeline Osanya, said that Babu was born in the village and attended Got Matar Primary School before moving to Kisumu after the death of his father in 1996.

“Babu is our son. He was born and raised here in Ogare. After his father passed away, his mother took him to Kisumu to continue with school. People saying he’s Indian are spreading lies. He is Luo,” Osanya stated.

She further explained that the confusion may stem from Babu’s light complexion, which some have mistaken for Asian ancestry. 

According to Osanya, Babu inherited his skin tone from his late father, Dominic Owino, and his grandmother, Christine Sewe, both of whom were light-skinned.

“It runs in our family. His father’s complexion made people think he was from the Coast or even Arab. The same applies to Babu,” she added.

The family urged those spreading the claims to visit their home and see for themselves.

“Anyone with doubts can come here and see photos of his late father and grandfather, Pang Wuon Awuoro. They will understand where the resemblance comes from,” Osanya said.

Locals in Got Matar also came to Babu’s defense, recalling his early childhood and school life in the village.

Harun Awuondo, who attended school with him, remembered their time together at Got Matar Primary in 1994 before Babu transferred the following year.

The school’s current head teacher, Kemwel Fida, confirmed the records showing Babu’s enrollment under the name Paul Ongili Owino.

Residents described him as a bright, outspoken pupil who showed leadership traits early on. “He was just like he is today—confident, sharp, and always ready to speak his mind,” one villager noted.

The family dismissed the ongoing speculation as an attempt to distract from the MP’s political work and community service.

“People should focus on his contribution to the youth and education instead of spreading rumors,” Osanya concluded.

In Siaya, Babu Owino remains recognized not just as a national leader, but as a son of Yimbo—a man deeply rooted in his ancestral home and proud of his heritage.