A tense confrontation between Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino at a Nairobi restaurant has sparked conflicting narratives and a police investigation, intensified by the release of CCTV footage capturing key moments of the altercation.

According to Alai, the incident occurred at Cedar Restaurant in Kilimani when Owino approached his table. Alai stated he politely declined to greet the MP, which allegedly led to a heated verbal exchange. He claimed Owino became confrontational, pushing his head and mocking him over Nairobi’s political scene, particularly the governorship race—a position Alai clarified he is not contesting. Regarding accusations of drawing a firearm, Alai denied brandishing the weapon, explaining it remained holstered and visible due to the absence of a jacket. He said a nearby individual removed the firearm for safety during the commotion and suggested that CCTV footage would corroborate his version of events, dismissing the altercation as a political exaggeration.

Babu Owino, however, presented a markedly different account. He alleged that the incident, which took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at a popular Kilimani establishment along Lenana Road, was an attempted assault. Owino claimed he was attending a private meeting without his security detail when Alai’s group confronted him. According to Owino, Alai accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against Alai’s wife—an allegation he strongly denied—and escalated violently, pushing him, drawing a pistol, and using it to strike his chest and jaw. Owino further alleged that Alai poured water on him before bystanders intervened. He filed an official report at Kilimani Police Station, linking the assault to previous intimidation following the death of Raila Odinga.

The controversy intensified with NTV releasing CCTV footage showing a brief but tense exchange between the two politicians. While the video lacks audio, it captures bystanders intervening as tensions rise, providing potential evidence critical to the ongoing police investigation. Legal experts have noted that such footage will likely play a central role in determining the facts amidst the competing claims.

Both Alai and Owino, long-standing members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with a history of public disagreements over Nairobi politics, are expected to provide further statements to authorities. No official charges have yet been announced, but the incident has ignited widespread discussion on the conduct of public officials and the increasing importance of surveillance footage in verifying disputes between high-profile leaders.