Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has broken his silence over allegations that he threatened and assaulted Embakasi East MP Babu Owino during a heated encounter at a Nairobi restaurant.
The incident, now widely referred to online as the Alai Gun Drama, has drawn national attention, reigniting debate around political intolerance, gun ownership by leaders, and rising tensions within opposition ranks.
With both politicians giving sharply conflicting accounts, the matter has moved from social media outrage to a formal police investigation, setting the stage for a high-stakes political and legal showdown.
Alai Gun Drama Fuels Political Tension Within Nairobi Leadership
The Alai-Owino feud escalated into the public domain after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged that Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai physically attacked and intimidated him during a restaurant confrontation. According to Babu Owino, the MCA drew a firearm and used it to strike him, leaving him injured and shaken.
However, appearing in a televised interview on Monday January 5, Alai categorically denied drawing a gun or using it to harm the MP. He insisted that while he was armed at the time, the firearm never left his waist and was quickly taken away by someone seated next to him once it became visible.
“I did not draw a gun on him. There was a gun on my waist, but I did not remove it. I was not wearing a jacket, only a shirt, so it could be seen. The person sitting next to me took the gun away,” Alai stated.
The MCA challenged his accusers to produce CCTV footage from the restaurant, arguing that such evidence would clearly show whether he brandished a firearm. According to Alai, the establishment has surveillance cameras that could easily settle the matter if released.
Alai Rejects Gun Allegations and Demands Video Proof
Central to the Alai Gun Drama is the question of evidence. Alai maintains that the allegations rest solely on Babu Owino’s word and insists that video footage would expose what he describes as false claims.
“If you go to that restaurant, they have video footage. Let them produce even one clip showing that I drew a gun on him,” he said.
Alai’s account paints a very different picture of the altercation. He claims the confrontation began when Babu Owino approached his table to greet him. The MCA alleges he made it clear that he was uncomfortable with the interaction, a move that seemingly angered the MP.
According to Alai, the situation deteriorated when Babu Owino allegedly pushed his head while speaking to him in a manner Alai perceived as provocative and demeaning. He further claimed the MP spoke about future political plans, including appointing Alai to an executive position once he becomes Nairobi governor in 2027, remarks the MCA described as inappropriate and condescending.
Conflicting Accounts Deepen Alai Gun Drama Confusion
While Alai insists he was the one provoked, Babu Owino’s version sharply contradicts this narrative. The Embakasi East MP alleges that Alai poured water on his face before escalating the confrontation by drawing a gun and striking him on the chest and jaw.
Babu Owino has framed the incident within a broader political context, claiming it was a deliberate act of intimidation. In a statement released over the weekend, the MP suggested the confrontation was politically motivated and linked it to growing tensions following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
This framing has added emotional and political weight to the Alai Gun Drama, drawing reactions from political allies and critics across the divide. Supporters of Babu Owino argue that the allegations reflect a dangerous culture of violence among political leaders, while Alai’s defenders insist he is being unfairly targeted for standing his ground during a provoked encounter.
Police Investigation and Firearm Seizure Shift Focus to Law Enforcement
The escalating drama has now moved firmly into the hands of law enforcement. The incident was reported at Kilimani Police Station, prompting an official investigation into what transpired at the restaurant.
Police have confirmed that Alai’s firearm has been confiscated pending the outcome of the probe. This development signals that authorities are treating the allegations with seriousness, particularly given the involvement of a licensed gun and two high-profile political figures.
Investigators are expected to review CCTV footage, witness statements, and medical reports to establish whether any assault occurred and whether the firearm was drawn or used. The findings could carry significant political and legal consequences, potentially shaping the careers of both leaders.
