BABU OWINO MEETS BURKINABE'S TRAORE

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has held a high-profile meeting with Mr. Inoussa Traoré, the brother to Burkina Faso’s President, His Excellency Ibrahim Traoré, during his recent visit to Kenya.

In a statement shared on his verified social media pages, the outspoken legislator described the engagement as “productive,” noting that it focused on issues of mutual interest between Kenya and Burkina Faso.

“I held a productive meeting with Mr. Inoussa Traoré, brother to the President of Burkina Faso, His Excellency Ibrahim Traoré, during his recent visit to Kenya,” Babu Owino posted.

While the MP did not disclose the finer details of their discussion, sources close to the meeting hinted that the talks revolved around youth empowerment, education, and Pan-African cooperation — themes that both Owino and the Burkinabé leadership have publicly championed.

President Ibrahim is currently the youngest head of state in the world at 37 years old. A trained geologist turned soldier,
he rose to power in September 2022, through a military coup that ousted interim leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, citing the need for stronger security measures and true sovereignty for Burkina Faso. On October 6, 2022, Traoré was officially declared interim president.

Since taking power, Traoré has drawn inspiration from the revolutionary ideals of Thomas Sankara, advocating for economic independence, resource nationalization, and Pan-African unity. His leadership has been praised across the continent as part of a growing wave of youthful, assertive African leaders reshaping governance narratives.

Babu Owino’s meeting with Inoussa Traoré symbolizes a growing bond between young African leaders advocating for independence, innovation, and unity. The interaction also highlights Kenya’s broader diplomatic outreach to West Africa, strengthening ties beyond traditional trade and political blocs.

As Africa continues to face challenges of underdevelopment, insecurity, and youth unemployment, such collaborations are seen as vital in fostering cross-continental solidarity and homegrown solutions rooted in youth empowerment.