I’ll win top Sonu seat, says former student leader
Paul Ongili is likely to reclaim the chairmanship of the Nairobi University’s student’s organisation.
Popularly known as Babu Owino, the former occupant of the top seat expressed confidence that he would win again.
The elections are slated for end of March and aspirants are busy marketing their manifestos.
Owino chaired the union between 2011 and 2012 and is currently a second-year Law student at the Parklands Campus.
The flamboyant student leader graduated with First Class Honours degree in Actuarial Science. During the graduation, bouncers surrounding his Range Rover Sports temporarily stopped the ceremony as the young millionaire stepped out in style.
On leadership, he said using force and applying the law works. This could explain why he once slapped the Kilimani police chief following an altercation.
Fondly remembered for the way he revived the union after it had been disbanded in 2010, Owino also put pressure on the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) to increase students’ loan allocations.
His political associations have been surrounded by controversy just like the source of his riches is shrouded in mystery.
At just 26, Owino is said to be driving some of the biggest cars in town and he proudly says, “I make my own money, I spend my own money, keep off my business.
“I will be the next Sonu chairman,” declares the self-assured Owino, whom we caught up with at the Parklands campus just before an evening class.
He accused the union leadership after him of “going to bed” with the school administration, adding that Sonu lacked commitment in addressing students’ issues.
Owino further said it was unacceptable that police should arbitrarily arrest students within the university, yet there was a union to guard their rights.
“It is because of such issues that the students find me irresistible to revive the union and make it regain its lost glory. “The voice of the people is the voice of God and when it calls, one just has to obey,” he said.
Winning the Sonu seat, Owino said, basically involves being in touch with the students and fighting their battles.