Nairobi Restaurant Scare as Robert Alai ‘Allegedly Pulls Gun’ on Babu Owino
A dramatic confrontation between two high-profile Kenyan politicians reportedly unfolded at a popular Nairobi restaurant, triggering panic among diners and reigniting tensions in the country’s already volatile political scene.
According to reports by Tuko.co.ke and The Standard, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino were involved in a tense altercation at Cedars Lebanese Restaurant in Kilimani, an upscale venue frequented by politicians and business leaders.
Heated exchange at private lunch
Eyewitnesses cited in the reports said Mr Owino was seated at the restaurant for a private lunch meeting when Mr Alai arrived, noticed him, and approached his table. What began as a verbal exchange is said to have quickly escalated into a heated argument, drawing the attention of other patrons.
During the confrontation, Mr Alai allegedly accused the MP of being behind online attacks targeting his wife, claims that have circulated on social media in recent weeks. The allegations are reportedly linked to rumours involving outspoken activist and blogger Maverick Aoko, though no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the claims.
Sources said Mr Owino denied any involvement, insisting he had no connection to the accusations and had never engaged with Mr Alai’s wife. Witnesses described the legislator as remaining calm throughout the exchange.
Gun scare shocks diners
The situation reportedly took a dangerous turn when Mr Alai allegedly produced a firearm, cocked it and pointed it at the MP during the argument. Several eyewitnesses claimed he attempted to fire the weapon, but it failed to discharge, possibly due to a malfunction.
A senior police officer who was coincidentally dining at the restaurant is said to have intervened swiftly, restraining Mr Alai and disarming him before the situation escalated further.
“No shots were fired, but the tension was terrifying. People froze,” one diner told local media.
Mr Alai reportedly left the restaurant immediately, visibly shaken, while Mr Owino exited shortly afterwards. No injuries were reported, and the restaurant later resumed normal operations.
A rivalry with deep roots
The confrontation is the latest chapter in a long-running political rivalry between the two outspoken figures.
Mr Alai has previously claimed he stepped aside in 2017 to allow Mr Owino to run for the Embakasi East parliamentary seat, a move that later fuelled public fallout between the pair. More recently, the MCA issued warnings over Mr Owino’s alleged 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions, claiming the bid could “end” his political career due to the capital’s complex governance challenges.
Their feud has largely played out online, with frequent exchanges tied to shifting alliances within ODM and Kenya’s evolving broad-based government arrangement.
Social media explodes
News of the incident spread rapidly on X (formerly Twitter) on January 4, sparking widespread reaction. While many users expressed shock at how close the incident allegedly came to turning deadly, others highlighted the irony surrounding Mr Owino, who was previously involved in the 2020 DJ Evolve shooting case, for which he was later acquitted.
As of now, no official police statement has been issued confirming arrests or charges. However, observers say the seriousness of the allegations could prompt investigations if corroborated.
The reported incident underscores the high-stakes and often combustible nature of Kenyan politics, particularly as early manoeuvring for the 2027 elections gathers pace.
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Nairobi Restaurant Scare as Robert Alai ‘Allegedly Pulls Gun’ on Babu Owino