Babu Owino Claims Robert Alai Threatened Him with a Gun at Kilimani Restaurant

Babu Owino says he was threatened and assaulted by Robert Alai during a confrontation at a Nairobi restaurant on Saturday afternoon.

The Embakasi East MP said the incident took place at a restaurant along Lenana Road in Kilimani while he was meeting a senior clergyman. Owino stated that he did not have security with him at the time, having allowed his guards to take time off for the Christmas holidays.

According to Owino, he noticed Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai seated nearby with several people after about twenty minutes. He said Alai approached him and accused him of being behind online attacks directed at Alai’s wife.

Owino denied the allegation, saying he does not know Alai’s wife and has never targeted family members in political disputes. He said that he explained this calmly and made it clear that such conduct was not part of his political approach.

He alleged that the situation then escalated, claiming Alai shoved him and produced a firearm, which he used to strike him on the chest and jaw in the presence of other patrons. Owino further alleged that Alai poured water on his face, after which he left the restaurant to prevent the confrontation from worsening.

The MP said he later reported the matter at Kilimani Police Station. He described the incident as part of a pattern of intimidation, referring to previous attacks he claims to have experienced at a burial in Siaya.

Owino linked the alleged confrontations to political tensions following the passing of Raila Odinga, which he said had altered the country’s political dynamics. He suggested that the incidents were aimed at weakening his position.