NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has officially accused Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai of a violent physical assault and a direct threat to his life. The alleged confrontation took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at a popular restaurant located along Lenana Road in the Kilimani area of Nairobi.
In a detailed public statement issued on Sunday, January 4, MP Babu Owino recounted that the incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. while he was concluding a private meeting with a senior clergyman.
Having released his security detail for the Christmas festivities, Owino was alone and preparing to depart when he spotted a group of acquaintances at a nearby table.
“As I was departing, I noticed a group of people known to me seated at an adjacent table. Out of courtesy, I approached the table and greeted those present, including the MCA for Kileleshwa Ward, Hon. Robert Alai,” Owino said.
The MP claims the interaction immediately devolved into hostility as Alai allegedly accused him of orchestrating a social media campaign against his wife.
“Without provocation, he accused me of being behind alleged social media attacks on his wife. I calmly explained that I do not know his wife, that she has never wronged me in any way, and that I have no reason whatsoever to involve innocent family members in politics,” Owino stated.
The lawmaker firmly distanced himself from such tactics, adding: “It is not my style to advance my politics by attacking women. I hold our respected ladies in the highest regard.”
The situation escalated rapidly, according to the MP, with the Kileleshwa MCA allegedly resorting to physical violence and the use of a firearm.
“At that point, Hon. Alai became aggressive, pushed me, drew a pistol, and struck me on the chest and jaw with it, all in full view of patrons at the establishment,” Owino alleged.
Following this initial assault, Owino claims there was a brief pause before Alai allegedly reignited the confrontation.
“Moments later, he again turned hostile, picked a glass of water from the table, and poured it on my face,” Owino stated, noting that a crowd of onlookers had formed by this time.
Fearing for his safety, the MP retreated from the venue and immediately filed a report at the Kilimani Police Station.
“I then immediately left the premises and proceeded to Kilimani Police Station, where I reported the matter,” he said.
Owino has characterized the incident as a targeted, politically motivated strike.
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“It was an unprovoked attack on my person, motivated by my political stand, and constituted a clear threat to my life,” he asserted.
The MP further linked the altercation to a suspected ongoing campaign of intimidation following the death of former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
“This forms a clear pattern of physical harassment, threats and attacks that began upon the demise of our beloved Baba,” he said, further claiming that “goons were organized by the government to attack me during that burial in Siaya.”
In his concluding remarks, Owino called for a thorough investigation by the relevant security agencies, vowing not to be intimidated.
“As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society. However, our calm should never be mistaken for fear. We will always stand our ground in defence of our lives, our dignity, and the rule of law.”
