MP Babu Owino alleges assault by MCA Robert Alai at Kilimani restaurant

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai of physically assaulting him during an altercation at a restaurant along Lenana Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.

In a statement issued to the public on Sunday, Owino said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at around 3:40p.m., when he had gone to meet a senior clergyman at the establishment.

According to the MP, he had released his security detail for the Christmas holidays and had driven himself to the venue. He said the meeting lasted about 20 minutes, after which he stood up to leave.

“As I was departing, I noticed a group of people known to me seated at an adjacent table. Out of courtesy, I approached the table and greeted those present, including the MCA for Kileleshwa Ward, Hon. Robert Alai,” Owino said.

He claims that the encounter quickly turned hostile, alleging that Alai accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife.

“Without provocation, he accused me of being behind alleged social media attacks on his wife. 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,” Owino stated.

The MP added that he does not target women in political disputes, noting: “It is not my style to advance my politics by attacking women. I hold our respected ladies in the highest regard.”

Owino alleges that the MCA then became violent.

“At that point, Hon. 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,” he said.

He further claimed that after a brief lull in the confrontation, the situation escalated again.

“Moments later, he again turned hostile, picked a glass of water from the table, and poured it on my face,” Owino stated, adding that a crowd had gathered by then.

Fearing further escalation, Owino said he left the restaurant and reported the matter at Kilimani Police Station.

“I then immediately left the premises and proceeded to Kilimani Police Station, where I reported the matter,” he said.

The MP described the incident as a serious and politically motivated attack, saying, “It was an unprovoked attack on my person, motivated by my political stand, and constituted a clear threat to my life.”

He called on authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate legal action.

Owino also linked the incident to what he termed a broader pattern of harassment against him following the death of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga.

“This forms a clear pattern of physical harassment, threats and attacks that began upon the demise of our beloved Baba,” he said, recalling that “goons were organized by the government to attack me during that burial in Siaya.”

“As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society. 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.”