Police in Nairobi have seized a firearm belonging to Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai after an altercation involving Embakasi East MP Babu Owino at a restaurant in Kilimani.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, January 4, Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon said the weapon was confiscated and taken to Kilimani Police Station, where both leaders later recorded statements.
“The MCA was found in possession of a firearm, which has since been seized and is currently held at Kilimani Police Station. Reports were recorded, and both politicians presented themselves at the station and gave their statements at the DCI offices,” Yegon stated.
Earlier the same day, Babu Owino issued a statement alleging that he had been confronted and physically attacked by Alai during the incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 3.
The MP recounted that he had driven himself to a restaurant along Lenana Road, where he was scheduled to meet an unnamed clergyman, unaware of what was about to unfold.
“I drove myself to the venue and arrived at around 3:40 pm. We held discussions for approximately twenty minutes, after which I stood up to leave,” he said.
As he was preparing to exit the establishment, Babu noticed a group of people he knew seated nearby and approached them briefly to exchange greetings.
It was only later that he realised Robert Alai was among the group.
According to Babu, the situation escalated immediately after Alai noticed him. He alleged that the MCA stood up and confronted him aggressively.
Babu claimed that Alai accused him of orchestrating online attacks against his wife, alleging that the abuse was being carried out by the MP’s supporters.
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“As I was leaving, I saw people I knew seated at a neighbouring table. Out of courtesy, I walked over to greet them, including the MCA for Kileleshwa Ward, Robert Alai. Without any provocation, he accused me of being behind alleged social media attacks on his wife,” Babu said.
A file image of Babu Owino accompanied the report.
The legislator stated that his attempts to calm the situation and explain himself were unsuccessful.
According to his account, Alai refused to listen, became increasingly hostile and eventually drew a firearm, using it to strike him on the chest.
“I calmly explained that I do not know his wife, that she has never wronged me, and that I have absolutely no reason to involve innocent family members in politics. Attacking women is not how I conduct myself politically. I hold women in the highest regard,” he said.
“I also pointed out that I do not even engage him personally, so there is no way I could have engaged his wife. At that point, Hon Alai became aggressive, pushed me, drew a pistol and hit me on the chest and jaw with it, in full view of other patrons,” Babu added.
Despite the confrontation, the MP said he remained composed and repeatedly urged the MCA to calm down and address the issue rationally.
He noted that Alai appeared to cool off shortly afterwards, and the two briefly sat down, with another individual positioning himself between them.
“I stood my ground and asked him to calm down and explain what I had done to deserve such a reaction. He seemed to settle down, and we sat briefly, with someone else separating us,” he said.
However, the calm was short-lived. Babu alleged that Alai soon became hostile again and poured a glass of water over his face.
Realising that the situation was deteriorating and could turn violent, the MP said he chose to leave the restaurant.
“He became aggressive again, picked up a glass of water and poured it on my face. By then, a crowd had gathered, clearly disturbed by his behaviour. To avoid any physical confrontation, I immediately left the premises and went to Kilimani Police Station, where I reported the matter,” Babu stated.
The MP linked the incident to his outspoken opposition to the current political leadership and urged investigators to act swiftly on his complaint and take appropriate action against the MCA.
