Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai of assaulting him during an altercation at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
The incident has been reported to police, with investigations yet to be publicly confirmed.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino says he was assaulted during a confrontation at a restaurant along Lenana Road in Nairobi, describing the incident as a serious threat to his life.
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Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Owino said the incident occurred at about 3:40pm after he attended a private meeting with a senior clergyman. He said he had gone to the venue alone after releasing his security detail for the Christmas holidays.
“I consider this a direct attack on my person and a grave threat to my life,” Mr Owino told journalists.
What Babu Owino says happened
According to the MP, the incident began as he was leaving the restaurant, when he greeted a group seated at a nearby table that included Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai.
Read: ODM Must Confront Its Culture of Violence and Political Impunity – Alai
“Without any provocation, he accused me of being behind alleged social media attacks on his wife,” Mr Owino said. “I explained that I do not know his wife and that I would never involve innocent family members in politics.”
Mr Owino said the exchange escalated rapidly.
“He pushed me, drew a pistol and struck me on the chest and jaw with it, in full view of other patrons,” he said.
“I stood my ground and asked him to explain what I had done to deserve such violence.”
The MP said the situation briefly calmed after intervention by others at the restaurant, but later deteriorated again.
“Moments later, he picked a glass of water and poured it on my face,” Mr Owino said, adding that a crowd had gathered as the confrontation unfolded.
He said he left the premises to avoid a physical altercation and reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station.
“This was an unprovoked, politically motivated attack and a clear threat to my life,” he said.
“I am calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take action in accordance with the law.”
Claims of a wider pattern
Mr Owino also linked the incident to what he described as a sustained campaign of intimidation against him.
“This forms a clear pattern of physical harassment, threats and attacks that began after the demise of our beloved Baba,” he said, referring to an earlier incident during a burial in Siaya.
Calling for restraint among political leaders, Mr Owino said: “As leaders, we are expected to set an example for society. Our calm should never be mistaken for fear.”
There has been no immediate response from Mr Alai, and police have yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
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