Babu Owino Issues Ultimatum: HELB Must Release Funds to Students or Face the Wrath of Comrades

   
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a stern warning to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), demanding that the agency immediately disburse funds to students or risk facing serious consequences from the frustrated student population.
In a fiery statement made today, Babu Owino, a staunch ally of student welfare, accused the government of neglecting the needs of university and college students across the country by failing to release their HELB loans on time. This delay, Owino argues, has left thousands of students struggling to pay for their tuition fees, accommodation, and basic necessities.
“The students are angry, and I understand their frustration,” Owino declared, speaking to reporters outside Parliament. “HELB must release the money to comrades, and they must do it now! If they don’t, they will have to answer to the students—because the wrath of the comrades is not something they should take lightly.”
The outspoken MP emphasized that the failure of HELB to disburse loans on time has placed a heavy burden on students, many of whom rely on the funds to continue their education. The government’s repeated delays, he said, have exacerbated the already difficult situation that many students face, including mounting rent arrears, unpaid tuition fees, and limited access to essential learning materials.
“It is an embarrassment that students who are supposed to be the future of this country are being treated with such disdain,” Owino added. “The government is forcing them to choose between continuing their education or facing the harsh reality of being evicted from their hostels or homes. This is unacceptable, and it cannot continue.”
Owino’s comments come amid rising tensions on university campuses, with several student unions staging protests to demand the timely release of funds. Many students have been forced to skip classes, as they cannot afford the necessary resources to stay enrolled in their programs.
The Embakasi East MP, who is known for his fiery rhetoric and strong support for student causes, warned that if the government fails to act quickly, there will be consequences.
“Let me make it very clear,” Owino said, his tone firm. “If HELB does not release the money within the next few days, students will have no choice but to take matters into their own hands. If that happens, I will stand with them. We will not allow this government to abandon the very people who are supposed to be shaping the future of this country.”
He went on to describe how a united student front could mobilize mass action to hold the government accountable, should the delays continue. “Comrades are not afraid to make their voices heard, and if it comes to that, the government will have to deal with the consequences.”
The MP also emphasized that the current situation was a reflection of broader systemic failures within the education sector, which has long struggled with inadequate funding, mismanagement, and a lack of focus on the needs of students. He urged the government to prioritize education, stating that it was a national security issue, as the future of the country depended on the empowerment and education of its youth.
Owino’s remarks have ignited a fresh debate on social media and across university campuses, where many students are voicing their support for the MP’s call to action. Student leaders have echoed his sentiment, organizing rallies and petitions to demand immediate payment of HELB loans.
“This is not just about money,” Owino concluded. “It is about the future of this nation. If we cannot even ensure that our students are supported, then what hope do we have for our future?”
As the pressure mounts on the government and HELB to release the funds, all eyes are now on whether action will be taken before the situation spirals further. With the anger of Kenya’s student population reaching a boiling point, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to Babu Owino’s bold ultimatum.  Read More