Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has opened up about the early days of his relationship with his wife, Fridah Muthoni Ongili.
Speaking during an interview on Alex Mwakideu’s AMTV podcast, the lawmaker reflected on his time as a student leader at the University of Nairobi. He shared the specific moment their paths first crossed on the campus grounds.
Owino was a prominent figure at the university long before entering national politics. He served as the president of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) for a record four terms. It was during this period of student activism that he met Muthoni.
A Chance Encounter Outside the Hostel
The MP recalled that he was already an established student in his third year when he first saw her. She was a new arrival at the institution. He described the setting of their meeting with clear detail, noting it happened near the residential halls.
“I met my wife, a lovely wife, a very wonderful woman. God-fearing woman, beautiful woman. She was in first year at the University of Nairobi, I was in third year my first semester. I met her in hall 4, just outside the ladies’ hostel. Hapo ndio nilimuomba namba and many years later, she became my wife,” Owino revealed, refuting claims that a friend connected him to her.
The “Hall Four” mentioned by the MP is a well-known residential block at the University of Nairobi’s Main Campus. Owino noted that their relationship has endured from those university days into his current life as a high-profile politician.
The Academic and the Activist
Owino also touched upon his academic reputation during the interview. He claimed to have been a mathematics whiz since his time at Kisumu Boys High School. This intellectual drive continued at the university, where he balanced his studies with student leadership.
“Leadership is not about age leadership is not about any other thing but leadership is about responsibility and service to the people.”
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Fridah Muthoni Ongili has often been described in Kenyan media as the silent force behind the vocal MP. She is a graduate of the University of Nairobi and is a businesswoman by profession.
The couple has been married for over a decade and they have children together. Muthoni has frequently stood by her husband during his various legal challenges and political battles, maintaining a relatively private life despite his public status.
Vision for the Future
During the podcast, Owino made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond his current role. He confirmed his intention to run for the Governor of Nairobi in the 2027 General Election.
He credited his development track record in Embakasi East as the foundation for his gubernatorial bid.
“I’m going to change your lives. I’m going to work for you, I won’t do it because you want me to do it, I I’ll do it because it is the right thing that I’m supposed to do as a leader.”
