Fresh political drama has erupted in Nairobi following the release of CCTV footage capturing a tense confrontation between Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai inside a Kilimani restaurant.
The video, now under review by detectives, lays out a minute-by-minute account of events that escalated from friendly greetings to claims of gun brandishing. With both leaders offering sharply different narratives, the footage has become central to public debate, legal scrutiny, and the broader conversation on political conduct in public spaces.
CCTV Evidence Deepens Owino and Alai Gun Drama
Investigations into the Owino and Alai gun drama have intensified after surveillance footage surfaced showing what detectives believe is the full sequence of the January 3 incident. According to investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI, the footage is being analyzed frame by frame to establish whether any criminal conduct occurred and to determine individual responsibility.
The video reportedly opens at about 4:01 pm inside a popular Kilimani restaurant. It shows Babu Owino rising from his seat at one gazebo and walking toward a second gazebo believed to have been occupied by Robert Alai and six other men. Initial interactions appear calm, with visible handshakes and relaxed body language suggesting a cordial exchange rather than hostility.
However, investigators note that the atmosphere shifts dramatically roughly two minutes and thirty two seconds later. At this point, Alai is seen standing up and allegedly shoving Owino, triggering a physical confrontation. The Embakasi East MP appears to raise his hands defensively while onlookers begin to react in alarm.
Moments later, the footage captures Alai drawing what looks like a firearm and cocking it. This single action, now central to the Owino and Alai gun drama, sends patrons scrambling for safety. Chairs move, people retreat, and the once lively restaurant briefly descends into chaos. Detectives say this portion of the footage is critical in determining whether a real weapon was involved and whether any laws were breached.
Timeline of Events Inside the Kilimani Restaurant
The CCTV recording provides a clear timeline that investigators believe will guide their findings. After the alleged shoving incident, the situation escalates quickly. At around 4:09 pm, a female patron approaches the two leaders in an apparent attempt to calm tensions. Instead of de-escalation, the footage shows Alai seemingly turning toward the woman in an aggressive manner.
According to investigators reviewing the video, Alai allegedly strikes the woman, prompting another male patron who had been watching from a distance to rush in and intervene. This intervention prevents further harm, though the confrontation spills toward a third gazebo.
In this final phase of the altercation, Alai is captured allegedly throwing an object toward Babu Owino. The MP then disengages and slowly exits the restaurant through what has been identified as gate one. A still image circulating in the media shows Owino walking out of the premises, though the caption date has drawn questions that detectives say they will clarify during the probe.
Conflicting Accounts From the Two Leaders
Despite the vivid nature of the footage, Robert Alai has strongly denied allegations that he brandished a gun during the confrontation. Speaking after the video began circulating, the Kileleshwa MCA dismissed claims that he or Owino drew weapons on each other.
“There was no instance where we drew guns at each other, or where I drew a gun at him. I do not think that is a fair analysis of the situation,” Alai said, insisting the footage was being misinterpreted.
Babu Owino, on his part, has taken a different stance. The Embakasi East MP has publicly called for thorough investigations by the relevant authorities, urging them to rely on evidence rather than political influence. Owino has maintained that the truth will emerge through an independent and transparent process.
Political and Legal Implications Ahead
The Owino and Alai gun drama has far reaching implications beyond the restaurant walls. Both men are high profile political figures whose actions are closely watched by supporters and critics alike. Legal experts note that if the object seen in the footage is confirmed to be a firearm and if it was handled unlawfully, serious charges could follow.
Politically, the incident raises fresh questions about discipline, temperament, and public conduct among elected leaders. Civil society voices have already called for restraint and accountability, warning that such scenes erode public trust in leadership.
As detectives continue their analysis, Kenyans await official findings that could either validate or dismiss the claims now dominating headlines. Until then, the CCTV footage remains the most compelling piece of evidence in a case that has captured national attention and reignited debate over power, responsibility, and the rule of law.
