Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has claimed that goons have been planted to prevent him from attending the October 15 memorial of the late Raila Odinga, insisting he will be there regardless.

Speaking on a Luo-language radio station, the legislator said he had received intelligence that some leaders had positioned goons to stop him from reaching the venue.

“The intelligence gathered indicates that some leaders have planted goons to bar me from reaching the venue, but all the same, I will be attending,” he said.

Owino spoke in an interview with Victor Juma, host of the Ramogi Baraza show, who asked whether he would attend. “I will attend the event. All of us know what the late Raila Odinga meant for us, especially as the Luo community,” he responded.

Although he was elected on an ODM ticket, Owino has since formed his own political outfit, which he plans to use to run for the Nairobi governor’s seat.

He also alleged that people were killed during a rally in Homa Bay, where goons linked to certain political leaders reportedly attacked the gathering, destroyed vehicles and injured many people. “People died, some spent days in hospital,” he said.

Owino said he is confident of becoming the next Nairobi governor and promised to serve diligently.