Nairobi, Kenya — Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has raised alarm over what he describes as a sustained campaign of violence against him, following an alleged armed confrontation at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the MP said the incident occurred yesterday afternoon along Lenana Road, where he had gone for a private meeting with a senior clergyman. Owino said he arrived at the restaurant at approximately 3:40 p.m. after driving himself to the venue, having released his security detail for the Christmas holidays.
According to Owino, the meeting lasted about 20 minutes. As he stood up to leave, he noticed a group of people known to him seated at a nearby table and approached them to exchange greetings. Among those present, he said, was Kileleshwa Ward MCA Hon. Robert Alai.
Owino alleges that without provocation, the MCA accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife—claims he firmly denied.
“I do not know his wife, she has never wronged me in any way, and I have no reason whatsoever to involve innocent family members in politics,” Owino said, adding that attacking women is not part of his political conduct. “I do not even engage him personally, and therefore could not have engaged his wife.”
The MP further alleged that Hon. Alai suddenly became aggressive, pushed him, drew a pistol, and struck him on the chest and jaw with the firearm in full view of other patrons at the establishment.
Owino said he remained calm and urged the MCA to de-escalate the situation, questioning what wrongdoing could justify such a violent reaction. He stated that the situation briefly calmed, with another individual positioning himself between them as they sat down.
However, moments later, Owino claims the confrontation escalated again when the MCA allegedly picked up a glass of water and poured it on his face, drawing the attention of other diners and causing visible disturbance at the restaurant.
Fearing further escalation and seeking to avoid a physical confrontation, the MP said he immediately left the premises and reported the matter at Kilimani Police Station.
“I take this incident very seriously. It was an unprovoked attack on my person, motivated by my political stand, and constituted a clear threat to my life,” Owino said. He called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The MP further linked the incident to what he described as a broader pattern of harassment, threats, and physical attacks against him, which he says began following the death of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, popularly known as “Baba.”
He recalled a previous incident during Odinga’s burial in Siaya, where he alleged that organized goons attempted to attack him—an ordeal he said he endured out of respect and love for the late leader.
“As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society,” Owino 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.”
Police had not issued an official statement on the incident by the time of publication. Efforts to reach Hon. Robert Alai for comment were unsuccessful.
About The Author
