Police in Nairobi are investigating a confrontation that happened Saturday afternoon between Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa ward MCA Robert Alai, during which the latter allegedly drew a gun.
Kilimani Sub-County Police Commander Patricia Yegon said both leaders have recorded statements, and officers will interview revellers and staff at the establishment to establish the facts.
“Based on the analysis of the evidence – reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing all those present – we expect to determine who actually committed an offence. Irrespective of status, necessary action will be taken,” Ms Yegon told journalists at the Kilimani restaurant.
In a statement, Mr Owino accused Mr Alai of assaulting him with a firearm during the brief encounter at the popular restaurant.
Mr Alai dismissed this account, saying he has reported the matter to police and will provide his version “at the right time.”
According to Mr Owino, the incident occurred after he attended a private meeting with a senior clergyman. Having released his security detail for the Christmas holidays, he said he was alone when he arrived at the restaurant shortly before 4pm.
As he was leaving, Mr Owino said he approached a nearby table to greet acquaintances, including Mr Alai. The interaction quickly turned confrontational after the MCA accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against Mr Alai’s wife – an allegation Mr Owino denied.
“I do not know his wife, and I do not involve family members in politics,” Mr Owino said, describing the accusation as unprovoked and unfounded.
He alleged that Mr Alai then became physically 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.”
Mr Owino said he attempted to calm the situation and briefly sat down after a third party intervened.
Moments later, he claimed, Mr Alai again turned hostile and poured a glass of water on his face, drawing the attention of the crowd. He said he left immediately to avoid further confrontation and reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station.
Describing the encounter as a direct threat to his life, Mr Owino framed it as part of a sustained campaign of political intimidation, referencing an earlier incident in Siaya during the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, where he said goons had been mobilised against him.
Mr Alai, however, rejected Mr Owino’s narrative. Speaking to Nation , he said he had already reported the matter to police and accused the MP of spreading falsehoods.
