Kileleshwa Ward Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has broken his silence over a dramatic confrontation with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino at a high-end restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, firmly denying claims that he drew a firearm during the altercation.
Speaking exclusively on TV47’s Morning Café, Alai gave his version of events surrounding the incident that occurred at Seeders Restaurant along Lenana Road during the Christmas holiday period, disputing key aspects of the account earlier issued by the MP.
In a public statement released on Sunday, January 4, Babu Owino described the incident as a “grave threat” to his life, alleging that the confrontation escalated after Alai accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife.
According to Owino, he calmly denied the accusation, stating that he does not know Alai’s wife and has no reason to involve family members in politics. He further alleged that Alai became aggressive, pushed him, drew a pistol, struck him on the chest and jaw, and later poured a glass of water on his face.
The MP said he left the restaurant and reported the matter at Kilimani Police Station, describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated intimidation.
Alai’s account
However, Alai strongly refuted the gun allegation, insisting that while he was armed, he never drew the firearm or threatened the MP.
“I did not draw a gun on MP Babu Owino,” Alai stated during the interview. “There was a gun on my waist, but I did not draw it.”
According to the MCA, the incident began when Babu Owino approached a table where he was seated with acquaintances.
“I told him that I was not very comfortable greeting him,” Alai said, claiming that Owino then became aggressive. “He started pushing my head, telling me how he will ‘bang’ me at Nairobi City County.”
Alai said he informed Owino that he was not vying for any gubernatorial seat and therefore did not understand why the MP was confronting him politically.
“I told him I am not vying for any governorship seat. I hear he is the one vying, so I didn’t see why I should be in that conversation,” he explained.
The MCA further stated that tensions rose when someone at the table joked about financial matters, prompting him to caution the MP against involving family members in politics.
“I told him, when you’re doing your politics, please don’t involve family members. Once you go that route, it becomes very bad for all of us,” Alai said.
According to Alai, Owino continued pushing him, prompting him to stand up and push back.
“When I stood up and pushed him back, that’s when other issues were introduced,” Alai said, insisting he never brandished the weapon. He claimed the firearm was noticed by someone seated next to him, who then took it from his waist because he was not wearing a jacket.
Alai said CCTV footage from the restaurant would exonerate him.
“If you go to that restaurant, there is video. I find these allegations absurd,” he said.
Not political, says Alai
Dismissing claims of political rivalry, Alai insisted the incident was a personal misunderstanding, not a political confrontation.
“There is no seat we are competing for. There is no antagonism. This is not political,” he said, though he acknowledged previously expressing views that Owino would not make a suitable Nairobi governor.
He also dismissed references to Owino being described as a party “kingpin,” noting that no such position exists within the ODM party.
Despite the fallout, Alai maintained that his relationship with the MP remains intact.
“Babu is my friend, and despite all these differences, Babu is still my friend,” he said.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with Kenyans calling for swift and transparent police investigations.
As of the time of publication, police had not issued an official statement, though investigations are ongoing at Kilimani Police Station.
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