Kenyan newspapers on Sunday, January 4 carried dramatic accounts of a tense encounter between Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that reportedly unfolded at a high-end Nairobi restaurant.
According to The Sunday Standard, the incident occurred at Cedars Lebanese Restaurant in Kilimani, where the two politicians happened to meet during individual lunches.
Eyewitnesses say a verbal exchange quickly escalated after Alai approached Babu’s table, accusing him of being behind online attacks targeting his wife through activist Maverick Aoko. Babu denied any involvement in the alleged online abuse.
The situation became frightening when Alai, allegedly enraged, drew a firearm and pointed it at Babu, attempting to pull the trigger. Fortunately, the weapon malfunctioned, and before any shots were fired, a senior police officer dining at the venue intervened, wrestled the gun from Alai, and disarmed him. Both men then left the restaurant shaken but unharmed.
A Sunday Nation publication that has reported the incident.
Efforts to get direct comments from Alai were unsuccessful at the time of publication, while Babu’s lawyer indicated a statement might be issued after consulting his client.
The story forms part of broaderbpolitical and social coverage in Sunday’s press, with other headlines focusing on opposition recalibration ahead of the 2027 elections and national issues such as wildlife conservation.
The reported restaurant scuffle has drawn attention not only because of the high-profile figures involved but also due to concerns about the role of firearms in political disputes and public safety. Further details and clarifications from both parties are expected as the story develops.
