NAIROBI, Kenya – Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has dismissed claims that he pulled a gun on Embakasi East MP Babu Owino during a heated encounter at a Kilimani restaurant, saying the incident has been misrepresented and that he was the one provoked.
Speaking on Monday, January 5, Alai said the confrontation happened on Sunday evening while he was having a meal with friends at Cedars restaurant. According to his account, Owino approached his table to greet him, but the interaction quickly became uncomfortable.
Alai claimed he asked the MP to keep his distance, but Owino allegedly ignored the request and became physical. He accused Owino of repeatedly pushing his head while issuing threats linked to Nairobi City County politics.
“He kept pushing my head and talking about how he would ‘arrange’ me in Nairobi politics,” Alai said. He added that he made it clear he was not interested in the Nairobi gubernatorial race and urged the MP to avoid dragging family members into political disputes.
The MCA acknowledged that he was carrying a licensed firearm at the time but strongly denied ever drawing or using it against Owino. He said he stood up and pushed Owino back in response to the physical provocation, after which a person seated next to him noticed the gun on his waist and secured it.
“There was no pointing of a gun. I did not draw it,” Alai said, adding that CCTV footage from the restaurant would back his version of events.
The matter was reported at Kilimani Police Station, where police confirmed that Alai’s firearm was confiscated as part of ongoing investigations. Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon said both leaders recorded statements.
Owino, however, has given a different account. In a statement shared on Sunday, he alleged that Alai became aggressive during their conversation, drew a pistol, and hit him on the chest and jaw with it. He also claimed Alai threw water at him before he left the restaurant and reported the incident to police.
Police say investigations are continuing, with the seized firearm being held as evidence as officers review statements and available footage.
