Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has reported what he described as an armed, unprovoked assault at a Nairobi restaurant, alleging that Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai attacked him with a pistol in full view of patrons, escalating political tensions within Nairobi’s ODM ranks.
In a press statement issued, Owino said the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a popular restaurant along Lenana Road in Kilimani, where he had gone for a private meeting with a senior clergyman. He said he had released his security detail for the Christmas holidays and drove himself to the venue, arriving at about 3:40pm.
After the meeting ended roughly 20 minutes later, Owino said he noticed a group of acquaintances seated at a nearby table and walked over to greet them, including Alai. According to Owino, the exchange quickly turned hostile.
“Without any provocation, he accused me of being behind alleged social media attacks on his wife,” Owino said. “I calmly explained that I do not know his wife, she has never wronged me, and I have no reason whatsoever to involve innocent family members in politics.”
Owino said he told the MCA that attacking women was not his style and that he did not engage Alai personally, let alone members of his family. He said Alai then became aggressive.
“He pushed me, drew a pistol, and struck me on the chest and jaw with it,” Owino said, adding that the incident happened in the presence of other diners. He said he urged Alai to calm down and explain what offence he had committed to warrant such violence.
According to Owino, the situation briefly de-escalated, with another individual positioning himself between the two leaders. But moments later, Owino said, Alai again turned hostile, picked up a glass of water and poured it on his face as a crowd gathered.
“Wishing to avoid any physical confrontation, I immediately left the premises and proceeded to Kilimani Police Station, where I reported the matter,” he said.
Owino termed the incident “a grave threat to my life” and called on authorities to investigate and take action. “It was an unprovoked attack on my person, motivated by my political stand,” he said.
The Embakasi East MP linked the alleged assault to what he described as a sustained pattern of harassment and threats following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s long-time ally, whom he referred to as “Baba.” Owino recalled an incident during the burial in Siaya where he said goons were organised to attack him.
“Kenyans will recall that goons were organised by the Government to attack me during that burial in Siaya — a threat that I braved due to the love I had for Baba,” he said.
The allegations come at a time when ODM and the broader opposition space are grappling with internal strains, leadership jostling and heightened rhetoric, particularly in Nairobi County. Owino, a vocal and sometimes controversial figure within the party, has in recent months positioned himself as an outspoken defender of what he calls principled opposition politics.
In his statement, Owino warned against normalising violence among elected leaders, saying restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. “As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society,” he said. “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.”
By Wednesday evening, police had not publicly commented on the reported incident, and Alai had not issued a response to the allegations.
