Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has denied pulling a gun on Embakasi East MP Babu Owino during a heated clash at a Nairobi restaurant. He said the firearm was slipping from his waist, and he only adjusted it to keep it from falling. The incident, caught on CCTV, happened on January 3 at Cedars restaurant in Kilimani.
Alai spoke out after the footage spread online. In his defence, he said, “That gun was falling; I didn’t remove it because of Babu Owino. That gun is heavy, not for women. I had put it on the waist; the trouser was too heavy.” He added that he hadn’t seen the full video yet but insisted there was no gun drawn at anyone. Police took his firearm for checks, and they’re looking into the matter.
The video shows the two arguing at a table. Chairs fly, and Alai reaches for his waist. Babu stands his ground as Alai approaches. Babu later told reporters Alai cocked the gun and hit him on the chest before walking away. He called it a distraction but said their work for people is bigger than personal fights. No shots were fired, and no one got hurt badly.
This isn’t the first run-in for these two. Both are outspoken in Kenyan politics. Alai, a former blogger, won his MCA seat in 2022 on an ODM ticket. He’s known for sharp takes on social media and city issues like traffic or waste. Babu, also ODM, has represented Embakasi East since 2017.
He’s popular with youth for pushing education and has faced his own controversies, like the 2019 shooting of DJ Evolve at a club. That case dragged on, with Babu paying medical bills.
The clash started over a personal matter, Alai said. They were at the spot with friends when words turned hot. Witnesses heard shouts about respect and past beefs. One clip shows Babu pushing Alai’s head, which Alai mentioned in his statement. Alai called it a misunderstanding but didn’t give more details. Babu said distractions come, but focus stays on service.
Online, Kenyans reacted fast. Some backed Babu, saying Alai overreacted with the gun. “Why carry in a restaurant?” one post asked on X. Others laughed at Alai’s excuse, joking about heavy trousers. A video parody showed a man adjusting a “slipping” belt. But serious voices worried about leaders with guns. “This shows poor temper,” a commenter wrote.
Nairobi politics heat up with this. Both eye bigger roles, like governor in 2027. Tony Gachoka, another hopeful, slammed them both. He said they lack morals after the drama. Gachoka pointed to Babu’s past shooting and now Alai’s gun pull. He called for calm in debates, not violence.
Police say they’re probing. DCI officers viewed the CCTV and talked to staff. Alai’s gun licence is valid, but the rules say no drawing unless in danger. If charged, it could mean fines or jail. Babu wants action, saying no one is above the law.
Gun ownership stirs debate in Kenya. Leaders get permits easier, but public spots see strict rules. After past incidents, like shootings at events, calls grow for tighter controls. One group, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, urged a review of politician firearms.
Alai stays active online. He posted about city projects yesterday, like fixing roads in Kileleshwa. Babu held a meeting with constituents on health. Both seem to move on, but the video keeps circulating.
This story highlights tensions in ODM. The party hasn’t commented, but internal rifts show. With elections far off, personal clashes could hurt unity.
Folks in Nairobi talk about safety in eateries. Cedars is upscale and popular with politicos. Owners said it was isolated; no other customers were affected.
As probes continue, more might come out. Witnesses could speak. For now, Alai sticks to his story: just a slip, not a threat. Babu calls it an attack. Kenyans watch closely, hoping for peace.
Incidents like this remind us politics gets personal. Leaders should set examples. In a city like Nairobi, where traffic and crowds stress everyone, calm heads matter.
