Who do you believe? Robert Alai gives his side of gun drama with Babu Owino

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has responded to allegations of physical assault levelled against him by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, offering his own account of a confrontation that reportedly occurred at Cedar Restaurant in Kilimani.

Speaking on TV47’s Morning Cafe, Alai addressed the claims just hours after Owino filed a police report and shared a detailed version of events on social media.

A Greeting Refused

According to Alai, the incident began when Owino approached his table at the restaurant. The MCA said he informed the MP that he was uncomfortable greeting him, a response he claims triggered a heated exchange.

Alai alleged that Owino became confrontational, pushing his head while making remarks about Nairobi politics and mocking him over the city’s governorship race — a position Alai clarified he is not contesting.

“I told him that I’m not very comfortable greeting you, and he started pushing my head, talking about how he would ‘panga’ me in Nairobi City County,” Alai said.

He added that he cautioned Owino against dragging family members into political disputes, noting that he has previously avoided discussing such personal matters publicly. According to Alai, this warning further agitated the MP.

Dispute Over Firearm Claims

One of the most serious accusations raised by Owino is that Alai drew a firearm and struck him on the chest and jaw. Alai firmly denied this claim during the interview.

He acknowledged that he was armed at the time but said the firearm remained holstered on his waist and was visible because he was not wearing a jacket. Alai claimed that during the commotion, a person seated next to him removed the weapon from his waist as a safety precaution.

“I didn’t pull a gun on him. The gun was on my waist, and someone next to me noticed it and took it,” he said.

Alai also questioned Owino’s version of events, stating that surveillance footage from the restaurant would contradict claims that he brandished the weapon.

Political Rivalry Dismissed

Despite their history of public disagreements, Alai maintained that the altercation was not driven by political rivalry. He argued that since they are not competing for the same elective seat, there was no basis for antagonism.

“There is no political rivalry because there is no competition between us,” he said.

Both leaders are members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and have previously clashed online over party leadership and Nairobi politics.

The incident is now under police investigation. While Owino has described the confrontation as a serious threat to his life, Alai has dismissed it as an exaggerated misunderstanding sparked by what he termed the MP’s conduct.