Kenyan MP detained for two days for subversion re-arrested after brief release

Kenyan Member of Parliament Paul Ongili has been re-arrested after he was briefly released on Wednesday after spending two days in jail over subversion charges which he denies.

Popularly referred to as Babu Owino, the Embakasi East legislator was arrested on Monday and charged with subversion, insulting President Uhuru Kenyatta and alleged incitement to violence on Facebook.

The opposition member and first-time MP addressed National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters on September 24 at a rally where he described the president with a derogatory term which he has vowed not to apologise for.

He was released by the Milimani chief magistrate Francis Andayi on a Sh500,000 cash bail ($4,837) with two sureties after the judge said there were no compelling reasons to deny him bail.

A few minutes after his freedom, he was picked up by the police at the court premises over an alleged assault case, local media report.

He was taken to the Kileleshwa police station.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has condemned the re-arrest of Babu Owino which he described as abuse of power by the police officers.

He called on President Kenyatta to call the police to order.

If he misses eight consecutive parliamentary sittings, he risks losing his seat.