Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has alleged that he is on the Interpol Most Wanted list in Tanzania, a revelation that recently led to his detention at the country’s airport.
Speaking during a recent interview, the legislator recounted how his trip to Tanzania was disrupted after immigration officers held him for three hours upon arrival.
“The other day, I went to Tanzania, and when I arrived at Dar es Salaam airport, I presented my passport for clearance. To my shock, my name was listed among the people on the Interpol Most Wanted list,” Owino stated.
According to the MP, he was barred from entering Tanzania and detained at the airport without clear reasons. He further claimed that he is also banned from traveling to Uganda, accusing leaders of both countries of promoting division instead of fostering regional unity.
“I could not be allowed to enter Dar es Salaam; I was detained at the airport for three hours. It is unfortunate that the Tanzanian government placed me on the Interpol Most Wanted list. President Samia Suluhu owes me an apology,” Owino asserted.
The MP has previously drawn criticism from regional leaders over his outspoken nature and controversial remarks. During a visit to Kenya in August 2024 for the launch of Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson candidature, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni accused Owino of supporting his political opponents.
“I am a consumer of intelligence reports, and I always see intelligence briefings. There is a character called Babu Owino. I have always seen him engaging with anti-NRM groups. I have never accused him before, but now I am,” Museveni stated at the time.
Despite the allegations, Babu Owino maintains that he has no business interests in Tanzania and insists that his placement on the Interpol list is unwarranted.
