Robert Alai Spills the Tea on His Side of the Story Regarding Scuffle with Babu Owino

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has hit back at allegations of physical assault made by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Speaking on TV47’s Morning Cafe programme, Alai provided his version of a confrontation that took place at the Cedar Restaurant in Kilimani.

His remarks come only hours after Mr Owino filed a police report and shared a detailed account of the incident on social media.

A Greeting Refused

According to Alai, the friction began when Mr Owino approached his table at the restaurant. The MCA claimed he told the MP he was not very comfortable greeting him. This refusal allegedly led to a verbal and physical escalation.

Alai claimed that Mr Owino began pushing his head while discussing Nairobi’s political landscape. He alleged that the MP mocked him regarding the Nairobi governorship race.

Alai clarified during the interview that he is not a candidate for the seat.

"I told him that I’m not very comfortable greeting you... he started to push my head, telling me how he will ‘panga’ me in the Nairobi city county,” Alai said.

The Kileleshwa MCA stated he warned Mr Owino against involving family members in political disputes. He noted that he has never addressed these personal issues on public platforms before.

“I told him that when you're doing all your politics, please don't involve family members because if you do that route then it becomes very bad for us, then you know he started becoming very agitated,” Alai added.

The Question of the Firearm

The most serious allegation involves the use of a weapon. Mr Owino earlier claimed that Alai drew a pistol and struck him on the chest and jaw. Alai categorically denied these claims during his TV appearance.

He explained that while he was armed, the weapon remained on his waist. Because he was not wearing a jacket, the firearm was visible.

ALSO READ: Babu Owino Vs. Robert Alai: Inside the Kilimani Physical Violence Involving A Firearm

Alai stated that a person sitting next to him took the gun from his waist to ensure safety during the scuffle.

"I didn't throw a gun on him. There was a gun on my waist... The person sitting next to me saw the gun on my waist... and took the gun."

Alai further challenged the MP’s account by pointing to the restaurant’s surveillance system. He claimed there is video evidence that would disprove the allegation that he drew the weapon.

Political Rivalry Denied

Despite their public friction, Alai insisted the incident was not a result of political rivalry. He argued that because they are not competing for the same political seat, there is no antagonistic reason for the clash.

However, both men are prominent figures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). They share a documented history of social media spats regarding party leadership and Nairobi politics.

“It's not political rivalry because there's no antagonism we are having. I'm not competing anywhere with him."

The incident remains under police investigation. While Mr Owino describes the event as a "grave threat" to his life, Alai maintains that the situation was an "absurd" misunderstanding triggered by the MP's own behaviour.