NAIROBI, Kenya — Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has officially dismissed allegations that he threatened Embakasi East MP Babu Owino with a firearm during a confrontation at a restaurant in Kilimani. The rebuttal adds a fresh layer of complexity to a developing story involving two of Nairobi’s most outspoken political figures.
In a formal statement addressing the weekend incident, Alai presented a starkly different account of the events. He claimed that while the two were seated separately, it was Mr. Owino who approached him and initiated an unwelcome discussion regarding city politics and the 2027 gubernatorial race.
According to the MCA, the interaction became physically intrusive when the MP allegedly began touching him.
“He started to push my head, insisting he would ‘arrange’ me in Nairobi City County and claiming the Nairobi Governor’s seat was already secured,” Alai said.
Addressing the most serious part of the accusation—the use of a weapon—Alai admitted to being armed but maintained that the firearm never left its holster.
“There was a gun on my waist, but I did not draw it. The person sitting next to me noticed the gun because I was only wearing a shirt and later accused me of drawing it. If there is video evidence, let it show where I drew a gun on him,” he added.
The statement follows a report filed by Babu Owino at the Kilimani Police Station, in which the MP alleged he was the victim of an unprovoked assault. Owino, who was reportedly at the venue for a meeting with a clergyman, claimed Alai became aggressive over perceived social media attacks involving Alai’s wife.
Owino’s formal complaint paints a violent picture: he alleges that the MCA pushed him, drew a pistol, used the weapon to strike him on the jaw and chest, and finally doused him with a glass of water.
“I take this incident very seriously,” Owino said, expressing concern for his safety and urging law enforcement to fast-track the investigation.
With two contradictory versions of the afternoon’s events, public interest has shifted toward the availability of CCTV footage from the establishment along Lenana Road.
While Babu Owino insists the attack was a politically motivated threat to his life, Alai maintains the MP is misrepresenting a brief verbal disagreement over political “arrangements.”
Nairobi police are expected to review witness statements and digital evidence to determine whether charges of assault or the misuse of a firearm are warranted.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no official statement has been released by the Kilimani DCI office.
