NAIROBI – Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, on Thursday, 30 October 2025, received a goat, eggs, and bananas as a token of appreciation from a parent who travelled from Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi County. The parent, identified as Mr. Mutegi, said the gesture was to thank the legislator for his widely followed online academic revision classes for Kenyan secondary school students.

In a social media post published on Thursday morning, Mr. Owino expressed his gratitude for the gifts. "I'm truly humbled and grateful to receive gifts from Mzee Mutegi and his sons, who travelled all the way from Chuka to appreciate the work I'm doing for Kenyans," the MP wrote. "Their love and kindness deeply touched my heart. Thank you, Mr. Mutegi and your wonderful family, for your generous spirit and support."

The event casts a spotlight on a unique initiative that has become a significant part of Mr. Owino's public persona, often standing in contrast to his combative political style.

An Unconventional Classroom

Mr. Owino first launched his online tutorials in 2020, during the nationwide school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, he began streaming live lessons, primarily focusing on Mathematics and Chemistry, for candidates preparing for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. The sessions, characterized by his energetic teaching style, quickly gained a large following among students and parents seeking accessible revision materials.

The initiative was lauded by many as a timely intervention that helped bridge the learning gap for students unable to access formal e-learning resources provided by schools. Following the 2022 examinations, numerous parents and students publicly credited the MP's classes for improved performance, particularly in Mathematics. This positive reception has cemented the program as a recurring feature, with the legislator announcing new revision sessions for the 2025 KCSE candidates as recently as last week.

A Gesture of High Esteem

In many Kenyan communities, the gift of a goat is a traditional symbol of profound gratitude, respect, and honor. It signifies a deeper appreciation than a simple monetary gift and is often reserved for significant occasions or to acknowledge a substantial positive impact on one's family. Mr. Mutegi's decision to travel from Tharaka-Nithi to Nairobi with a live animal underscores the tangible value his family placed on the MP's educational outreach.

While the online classes have been widely praised, they have not been without criticism. Some public figures, including comedienne Eunice Mammito and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, have questioned whether teaching is part of a legislator's mandate, arguing that elected leaders should focus on representation, legislation, and oversight. Proponents, however, maintain that the initiative is a form of community service that addresses a critical societal need.

Education, Politics, and Soft Power

Analysts view the sustained educational program as a strategic political tool that enhances Mr. Owino's national profile beyond his Embakasi East constituency. By providing a free, high-demand service, he cultivates goodwill and a reputation for being invested in youth empowerment—a key demographic in Kenyan politics. This form of 'soft power' allows him to connect with families across the country, transcending typical party and regional lines.

The initiative has also earned international recognition, with organizations like the United Nations and Voice of America (VoA) acknowledging his innovative use of social media for education during the pandemic. As the Kenyan education sector continues to grapple with challenges of resource disparity and teacher shortages, such unconventional interventions by public figures are likely to remain a subject of both praise and intense debate.