Robert Alai Attacked Me With a Gun — Babu Owino
- mwananchivoiceco
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, has alleged that Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai physically assaulted him and displayed a firearm during a confrontation at a restaurant in Kilimani on Saturday, January 03rd afternoon.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, January 04th, Owino stated that the incident took place at approximately 3:40 p.m. as he was departing from a lunch meeting at a well-known restaurant on Lenana Road.
He mentioned that when he approached a nearby table where Alai and some acquaintances were sitting, the MCA accused him of orchestrating recent online insults aimed at Alai's wife; accusations that Owino firmly denied.
Owino said he explained that he neither knows Alai’s wife nor engages in attacks on family members, insisting such conduct is “not my style.”
"I calmly explained that I do not know his wife, that she has never wronged me in any way, and that I have no reason whatsoever to involve innocent family members in politics.
"It is not my style to advance my politics by attacking women. I hold out respected ladies in the highest regard. I further pointed out that I do not even engage him personally, and therefore could not have engaged his wife,"Babu Owino stated.
He stated that the situation intensified when Alai purportedly turned aggressive, pushed him, pulled out a pistol, and hit him on the chest and jaw with the weapon in front of other patrons.
Owino mentioned that the situation briefly settled after a third party intervened. However, he asserted that soon after, Alai took a glass of water and splashed it on his face, drawing the attention of other patrons.
"Alai became aggressive, pushed me, drew a pistol, and struck me on the chest and jaw with it, all in full view of patrons at the establishment. I stood my ground and urged him to calm down, asking him to explain what wrong I had committed to warrant such a violent reaction. He appeared to cool down, and we briefly sat, with another person positioning himself between us.
Owino stated that he subsequently exited the premises to prevent any additional confrontation and reported the incident to the Kilimani Police Station.
Owino characterised the encounter as a “grave threat to my life” and urged the relevant authorities to investigate the situation and pursue suitable legal measures. He expressed his belief that the incident was part of a larger pattern of intimidation connected to his political views.
"This forms a clear pattern of physical harassment, threats and attacks that began upon the demise of our beloved Baba. Kenyans will recall that goons were organized by the Government to attack me during that burial in Siaya - a threat that I braved due to the love I had for Baba.
"As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society. Some of us have come a long way and know better. However, 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."
This statement arises during a period of increased political tension and online controversy involving the vocal blogger and activist Maverick Aoko. She often wrote of Robert Alai's alleged marital affair with a bodaboda guy.
MP Babu Owino has explicitly distanced himself from Aoko’s comments, previously stating that he neither controls her social media activities nor supports attacks on women, spouses, or family members.
He has emphasized that Aoko operates independently and that political disagreements should not include private individuals.
Aoko, a prominent social media influencer, has garnered both praise and criticism for her incisive remarks on political leaders and societal matters.
By Sunday afternoon, neither the police nor Robert Alai had released an official statement about the alleged incident.
Comments