CCTV footage shows Robert Alai clashing with Babu Owino, pulling gun in heated argument

CCTV footage shows Robert Alai clashing with Babu Owino, pulling gun in heated argument

CCTV footage from Cedars Restaurant in Kilimani has captured the moment a confrontation between Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai spiralled into chaos, forcing diners to flee and prompting police intervention.

The incident occurred at about 4:00 pm on January 3, 2026, at the restaurant’s garden area, where customers were seated enjoying their afternoon.

In the widely circulated footage, Babu Owino, dressed in a blue shirt, is seen leaving his table and walking towards a nearby group of diners. Among them is Robert Alai, seated behind a potted plant and wearing a light green shirt.

The two exchange words briefly before Alai gestures towards the MP and stands up. What follows is a physical confrontation, with the footage showing pushing and shoving between the two men.

Within seconds, Alai is seen pushing and slapping Babu Owino before pulling out a firearm.

Panic erupts almost immediately, with diners at surrounding tables scattering for safety as the confrontation escalates.

Moments later, a man wearing a white jacket, believed to be a police officer, is seen stepping in and disarming Alai.

Kilimani Sub-county Police Commander Patricia Jagon later confirmed the incident and the confiscation of the weapon.

“Alai had a firearm, which was confiscated and is currently at Kilimani Police Station,” Jagon said, adding that investigations had been launched.

The footage further shows that tensions did not end with the disarmament.

Shortly after the initial standoff, a woman dressed in African attire confronts Alai. He is seen walking towards her and appearing to shove her before another heated exchange breaks out.

Several people then intervene, seemingly calming the situation and persuading the two politicians to sit at the same table.

The calm, however, is short-lived. Alai is later seen throwing an object towards Babu Owino, triggering another round of chaos.

Alai reaches for a chair, but Babu Owino appears to act first, hurling one in Alai’s direction. Another chair is thrown back moments later, sending frightened customers fleeing once again.

Babu Owino is later seen leaving the restaurant, while Alai remains behind. Police officers were subsequently called to the scene, and the matter was handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

In his account of the incident, Babu Owino claimed his life was in danger during the confrontation, alleging that Alai deliberately confronted him and escalated the situation by drawing a firearm.

“I nearly lost my life. A gun was pulled on me in a public place,” Babu said, describing the incident as reckless and dangerous.

He maintained that he acted out of fear for his safety, insisting the situation could easily have turned fatal had the firearm been discharged.

Robert Alai is yet to comment publicly on the incident.