Babu Owino files police report after gun drama with Robert Alai

By Newsflash Reporter

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has filed a police report following what he describes as an unprovoked and violent attack by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Owino said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at a popular eatery along Lenana Road, where he had gone for a private meeting with a senior clergyman. He said the encounter posed a direct threat to his life and forms part of what he termed a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against him.

Alleged confrontation at Kilimani restaurant

According to Owino, he arrived at the restaurant at about 3:40pm after releasing his security detail for the Christmas holidays. After holding discussions for around 20 minutes, he stood up to leave and noticed a group of acquaintances seated at a nearby table, among them MCA Robert Alai.

Owino said he approached the table out of courtesy to greet those present, but the situation quickly escalated. He alleged that Alai accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife, claims Owino denied, saying he neither knows her nor engages in personal attacks against family members.

The MP stated that the MCA then became aggressive, pushed him, drew a pistol and struck him on the chest and jaw with the firearm, all in full view of other patrons. He said he urged Alai to calm down and sought to understand the cause of the hostility. Although the MCA appeared to cool off briefly, Owino alleged that moments later he again turned hostile, poured a glass of water on him and caused a commotion that drew a crowd.

Fearing further escalation, Owino said he immediately left the premises and proceeded to Kilimani Police Station, where he recorded a statement.

Police report and call for investigations

Owino said he takes the matter seriously, describing it as an unprovoked attack motivated by political differences and a clear threat to his life. He called on relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations and take action in accordance with the law.

He further linked the incident to what he described as a pattern of harassment and attacks following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, recalling an earlier incident in Siaya where he claimed goons had been mobilised against him during the burial.

“As leaders, we are expected to set an example. Our calm should never be mistaken for fear,” Owino said, adding that he would always defend his life, dignity and the rule of law.

Background of past firearm-related controversies

The incident has reignited public attention on Owino’s troubled history with firearms, as reported previously. In January 2020, Owino was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of DJ Evolve following a shooting at B-Club in Kilimani. The DJ survived but suffered severe spinal injuries that left him permanently wheelchair-bound.

The case went through multiple court hearings and delays, with the State later opting for a lesser charge of behaving in a disorderly manner while armed.

Owino has consistently maintained that the shooting was accidental.

Meanwhile, reports on the latest incident indicate that Alai allegedly left the restaurant after being disarmed, while Owino departed shortly after regaining his composure. By the time of publication, police had not issued an official statement, and efforts to reach Alai for comment were unsuccessful.

The matter is now under police investigation.