Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai of violently assaulting him during a confrontation at a restaurant along Lenana Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, describing the incident as an unprovoked attack and a serious threat to his life.
In a press statement released on Sunday, Owino said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon after he attended a private meeting with a senior clergyman at the restaurant. The MP said he had released his security detail for the Christmas holidays and drove himself to the venue, arriving at around 3:40pm.
Owino stated that after concluding the meeting about 20 minutes later, he rose to leave and noticed a group of people he knew seated at a nearby table. He said he approached them out of courtesy to greet them, including MCA Robert Alai.
According to Owino, the encounter quickly turned hostile when Alai allegedly accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife. Owino said he denied the allegation, insisting he does not know Alai’s wife personally and would never involve family members in political disputes.
“It is not my style to advance my politics by attacking women,” Owino said, adding that he holds women in high regard and has no reason to target innocent family members.
The MP alleged that the situation escalated rapidly, with Alai becoming aggressive, pushing him and drawing a pistol. Owino claims he was struck on the chest and jaw with the firearm in full view of other patrons at the restaurant.
He said he remained calm and urged Alai to explain what he had done to warrant such aggression. According to the statement, the confrontation briefly de-escalated, with another individual stepping in to separate the two leaders.
However, Owino alleged that moments later Alai again became hostile and poured a glass of water on his face, drawing the attention of other customers as a crowd began to gather.
Wishing to avoid a physical confrontation, Owino said he immediately left the premises and reported the matter at Kilimani Police Station.
“I take this incident very seriously,” Owino said. “It was an unprovoked attack on my person, motivated by my political stand, and constituted a clear threat to my life.”
The MP called on relevant authorities to carry out thorough investigations and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Owino further linked the incident to what he described as a sustained campaign of harassment and threats against him, which he said began after the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, popularly known as Baba. He recalled an earlier incident during Odinga’s burial in Siaya, where he claimed organised groups attempted to attack him.
Despite the alleged threats, Owino said he remains resolute, warning that calm leadership should not be mistaken for weakness.
“As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society,” he said. “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.”
Police are yet to issue an official statement on the alleged incident.
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