Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a detailed press statement describing what he terms as an unprovoked and life-threatening attack allegedly involving Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Monday afternoon at a popular restaurant along Lenana Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. Babu Owino said he had gone to the restaurant for a private meeting with a senior clergyman after releasing his security detail for the Christmas holidays. The meeting reportedly lasted about 20 minutes.
As he was leaving the venue at around 3:40 pm, the MP says he noticed a group of people he knew seated at a nearby table and approached them to greet them out of courtesy. Among those present, he says, was Hon. Robert Alai. It was at this point that the situation allegedly escalated.
Babu claims that without provocation, Alai accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife. The MP denied the allegation, stating that he does not know Alai’s wife and has no history of involving family members in political disagreements. He further emphasized that he does not engage in politics by attacking women and holds women in high regard.
The Embakasi East legislator alleges that Alai then became aggressive, pushed him, drew a firearm, and struck him on the chest and jaw with it in full view of other patrons. Babu says he remained calm and asked Alai to explain the reason for the hostility. Although the situation appeared to de-escalate briefly, with another individual sitting between them, tensions reportedly flared again moments later.
In his statement, Babu alleges that Alai poured a glass of water on his face as a crowd gathered, alarmed by the confrontation. Seeking to avoid further escalation, the MP says he immediately left the restaurant and reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station.
“I take this incident very seriously,” Babu Owino said, 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 appropriate legal action.
The MP further linked the incident to what he described as a sustained campaign of harassment and violence against him, alleging that similar threats began following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s close ally, Baba. He recalled an earlier incident during Baba’s burial in Siaya, where he claims goons were mobilized to attack him.
“As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society,” Babu stated. “Our calm should never be mistaken for fear. We will always stand our ground in defence of our lives, our dignity, and the rule of law.”
By the time of publication, there had been no official response from Hon. Robert Alai or the police regarding the allegations.