MCA Alai, MP Owino give conflicting accounts of Kilimani restaurant incident

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has denied claims that he drew a firearm during an encounter with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.

In a statement, Alai said the incident occurred while the two were seated at separate tables.

He said Owino approached him and initiated a conversation, which he said he was not comfortable engaging in.

According to Alai, he repeatedly told the MP that he was not interested in any political position, despite what he described as Owino’s insistence.

“I told him that I’m not comfortable greeting him. He started to push my head, insisting he would ‘arrange’ me in Nairobi City County and claiming the Nairobi Governor’s seat was already secured,” Alai said.

Alai added that a colleague at the table had jokingly suggested he could be offered a finance docket, but he maintained that he was not seeking any position.

He said the situation escalated when he asked Owino to leave.

The MCA acknowledged that he was carrying a firearm on his waist at the time but denied drawing it.

“I urged him that we should end the issue at that time. I stood up and pushed him back. There was a gun on my waist, but I did not draw it. The person sitting next to me noticed the gun because I was only wearing a shirt, and later accused me of drawing it. If there is video evidence, let it show where I drew a gun on him,” Alai said.

MP Owino gave a different account of the incident.

According to Owino, he had gone to the restaurant for a meeting with a senior clergyman after releasing his security detail for the Christmas holidays.

He said the meeting lasted about 20 minutes.

He said that as he prepared to leave at around 3:40 pm, he noticed a group of people seated at a nearby table, among them the MCA.

Owino alleged that Alai accused him of being behind social media attacks on the MCA’s wife, an allegation he denied, saying he did not know her and had no reason to involve family members in politics.

The MP claimed that the MCA became aggressive during the encounter. He further alleged that Alai pushed him and drew a firearm, and that he was struck on the chest and jaw in the presence of other patrons.

Owino also alleged that Alai later poured a glass of water on his face, drawing attention from other people in the restaurant.

He said he left the restaurant to avoid further confrontation and proceeded to Kilimani Police Station, where he reported the matter.

“I take this incident very seriously,” Owino said, describing it as an attack on his person and a threat to his life. He called on authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon, on January 4, confirmed that the MP and his alleged assailant reported the incident, and investigations commenced immediately.

"We are currently at the scene reviewing the CCTV and taking statements as investigations continue," Yegon said.