CCTV Footage Reveals Sequence of Events in the Robert Alai Vs. Babu Owino Fight

New surveillance footage has emerged showing the physical confrontation between Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai.

The incident occurred at the Cedar Restaurant in Kilimani, Nairobi, on January 3, 2026.

The video provides a clear timeline of the afternoon. At approximately 4:00 p.m., Babu Owino, dressed in a blue shirt, is seen leaving his table and walking over to another group. Robert Alai is seated at this table behind a potted plant.

The footage shows an initial interaction that appears cordial, involving handshakes and brief conversation. However, the mood changed quickly. At 4:03 p.m., the video captures Alai abruptly shoving the MP.

The situation then escalated into a physical struggle. The CCTV shows Alai pushing Babu Owino before appearing to throw a hand at him.

"I think he was trying to exert dominance, which was not working... and so I stood up and pushed him," Alai later stated regarding the start of the row.

The Firearm Controversy

A central point of the investigation involves a firearm. The CCTV footage shows Alai drawing what appears to be a gun and holding it parallel to his body.

As the fight intensified, other customers were seen fleeing for safety. A man in a white jacket, believed to be a police officer, eventually intervened to disarm Alai.

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

Alai has since denied brandishing the weapon. He claimed the gun was merely visible on his waist because he was not wearing a jacket. He argued that a person sitting next to him took the gun to ensure safety during the scuffle.

A Second Round of Conflict

The footage suggests the peace did not last long. After the initial fight, a female patron approached Alai to calm him down. Instead, the video shows Alai turning his aggression toward her and striking her.

The two politicians were later seen sitting together, but a second altercation broke out. Alai is seen throwing an object at the MP. In response, Babu Owino is captured on camera throwing a chair at Alai.

"He appeared to cool down, and we briefly sat... Moments later, he again turned hostile, picked a glass of water from the table, and poured it on my face," Babu Owino recounted in a social media statement.

Background and Investigation

Both men are high-profile members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Despite their shared party, they have a long history of public friction and social media disputes.

Key Timestamps from the Incident:

• 3:40 p.m.: Babu Owino arrives at the restaurant.

• 4:01 p.m.: Owino approaches Alai's table.

• 4:03 p.m.: The first physical shove occurs.

• 4:09 p.m.: Alai is seen striking a female patron.

• 4:10 p.m.: The confrontation spills over to a third gazebo.

Kilimani police commander confirmed that Alai's firearm was confiscated as evidence. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is now analysing the footage as part of its ongoing probe into the matter.