Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has turned 37, dedicating his birthday celebrations to his mother and reflecting on the sacrifices she made to give him a better future.
In a heartfelt message shared on Saturday, October 10, the lawmaker looked back on his upbringing, recalling how his mother struggled to provide for him and create opportunities that helped shape his life.
Owino said he wanted to honour her before celebrating himself, describing his journey as a testament to her sacrifices, faith and God’s grace.
The politician particularly recalled how his mother sold chang’aa in the slums to make ends meet, saying her determination gave him a chance at a brighter future.
What did Babu Owino say about his mother’s sacrifices?
Owino acknowledged that his mother endured hardships that many people might never fully understand, but continued fighting to improve his prospects.
“Mum, you sold chang’aa in the slums, made sacrifices that the world may never fully understand, and did everything within your power to give me a better life,” he wrote.
The MP credited her refusal to give up on him for helping him get to where he is today, saying she carried her burdens quietly so he could have opportunities she might not have had herself.
His latest message revisits a difficult chapter of his childhood that he has spoken about publicly before.
In previous accounts of his upbringing, Owino has described growing up in Nyalenda slums in Kisumu after his father reportedly died when he was young. He has also spoken about his mother’s struggle to support the family through the sale of chang’aa.
How did Babu Owino’s mother influence his faith?
Beyond providing for him, Babu said his mother played a significant role in shaping his spiritual life by introducing him to God.
He described faith as an anchor that had helped him navigate difficult periods as well as moments of achievement.
“You also introduced me to God, and He has been my anchor through every storm, every struggle, and every victory,” he said.
As he celebrated another year, the legislator made it clear that the occasion was as much about appreciating his mother as it was about marking his own birthday.
“Today, as I celebrate my birthday, I celebrate you too. Mum, I celebrate myself, but I honour you first,” he wrote.
