Embakasi East MP Babu Owino reportedly escaped death after a tense lunchtime encounter with Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai allegedly escalated into a near-fatal incident at a Nairobi restaurant.
According to The Sunday Standard, the confrontation occurred at Cedars Lebanese Restaurant in Kilimani, where the two politicians unexpectedly crossed paths while dining separately.
Witnesses told the paper that Babu was seated with another man for a private lunch meeting when Alai entered the restaurant, noticed him, and walked directly to his table.
What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned heated, with Alai reportedly accusing the MP of orchestrating online attacks against his wife through outspoken activist Maverick Aoko.
In recent days, Aoko has posted a series of sharp and personal remarks on X targeting Alai’s spouse, allegedly fuelling the MCA’s anger.
Sources said Babu denied the allegations, insisting he does not know Alai’s wife and had no reason to malign her.
A witness seated at the bar was quoted saying Owino firmly rejected the claims, maintaining he had no involvement in any online attacks.
The situation reportedly took a frightening turn when witnesses alleged that an enraged Alai drew a firearm, cocked it, and pointed it at Babu, attempting to pull the trigger several times.
“Fortunately, the gun was not properly cocked and jammed,” a source told the paper, adding that the moment prompted immediate intervention.
A senior police officer who was having lunch at the same establishment reportedly sprang into action.
The officer, later identified as Mohamed Amin Shurie, head of financial crimes at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), is said to have rushed in, subdued Alai, and wrestled the gun from him, effectively defusing the situation before anyone was harmed.
Following the incident, a visibly shaken Alai reportedly left the restaurant immediately after being disarmed, while Babu exited shortly afterwards once he had regained his composure.
By the time of publication, attempts to reach Alai for comment were unsuccessful. Babu’s lawyer told the paper he would consult his client and issue a statement, but none had been released.
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