Alai insists the episode was a personal misunderstanding that escalated unnecessarily and has since been misrepresented in the public domain.
The confrontation occurred on Saturday, January 3, at a restaurant in Kilimani, Nairobi, and quickly became a subject of intense public debate after Babu Owino alleged that Alai had threatened his life.
The confrontation occurred on Saturday, January 3, at a restaurant in Kilimani, Nairobi, and quickly became a subject of intense public debate after Babu Owino alleged that Alai had threatened his life.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, January 5, Alai said the encounter was neither premeditated nor politically motivated, describing it as an uncomfortable personal exchange that spiralled out of control.
“I did not pull out a gun because of Babu Owino. The firearm was on my waist, and it was slipping. I only held it to prevent it from falling,” Alai stated.
Alai explained that he was seated with friends when Babu approached their table to greet them.
While acknowledging that Babu’s initial approach appeared cordial, Alai said he immediately expressed discomfort with engaging the legislator, a request he claims was ignored.
“I told him clearly that I was not comfortable greeting him, but he insisted and started pushing my head,” Alai alleged, adding that the MP made remarks about controlling Nairobi politics and future political dominance.
The MCA further stated that he made it clear he was not seeking the Nairobi governorship or any other political office, contradicting what he said were assumptions made by Babu during the exchange.
“I told him I am not vying for governor. I am not a candidate in any of these conversations. I don’t see why I should be dragged into political talk,” Alai said.
According to Alai, tensions heightened after he warned Babu against involving family members in political discourse, a point he says appeared to agitate the MP further.
“When politics gets to the point of involving family, it becomes dangerous. I warned him about that, and that’s when he became more aggressive,” Alai claimed.
Addressing the gun allegation directly, Alai maintained that the firearm never left its holster and was visible only because he was wearing a shirt and not a jacket.
“There was a gun on my waist, yes, because I am licensed. But I never drew it. Someone sitting next to me noticed it when I stood up, and suddenly the story became that I pulled a gun on him,” he said.
Alai expressed confidence that CCTV footage from the restaurant would clear his name, urging investigators to rely on evidence rather than social media narratives.
“If there is a video showing me drawing a gun, let it be produced. Otherwise, these stories are exaggerated and spiced to fit a certain narrative,” he added.
Following the incident, police confiscated Alai’s firearm as part of ongoing investigations.
“I told him clearly that I was not comfortable greeting him, but he insisted and started pushing my head,” Alai alleged, adding that the MP made remarks about controlling Nairobi politics and future political dominance.
The MCA further stated that he made it clear he was not seeking the Nairobi governorship or any other political office, contradicting what he said were assumptions made by Babu during the exchange.
“I told him I am not vying for governor. I am not a candidate in any of these conversations. I don’t see why I should be dragged into political talk,” Alai said.
According to Alai, tensions heightened after he warned Babu against involving family members in political discourse, a point he says appeared to agitate the MP further.
“When politics gets to the point of involving family, it becomes dangerous. I warned him about that, and that’s when he became more aggressive,” Alai claimed.
Addressing the gun allegation directly, Alai maintained that the firearm never left its holster and was visible only because he was wearing a shirt and not a jacket.
“There was a gun on my waist, yes, because I am licensed. But I never drew it. Someone sitting next to me noticed it when I stood up, and suddenly the story became that I pulled a gun on him,” he said.
Alai expressed confidence that CCTV footage from the restaurant would clear his name, urging investigators to rely on evidence rather than social media narratives.
“If there is a video showing me drawing a gun, let it be produced. Otherwise, these stories are exaggerated and spiced to fit a certain narrative,” he added.
Following the incident, police confiscated Alai’s firearm as part of ongoing investigations.
Kilimani Sub-County Police Commander Patricia Yegon confirmed that the weapon was being held at the police station and that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses.
Despite the public spat, Alai insisted that his relationship with Babu Owino is not irreparably damaged, describing the incident as an unfortunate misunderstanding rather than a personal or political feud.
“This was not an attack, and it was not political. It was a personal disagreement that was blown out of proportion,” he said.
As investigations continue, the case has reignited debate over the conduct of public officials, firearm licensing, and the growing tendency for political disputes to spill into public spaces.
Despite the public spat, Alai insisted that his relationship with Babu Owino is not irreparably damaged, describing the incident as an unfortunate misunderstanding rather than a personal or political feud.
“This was not an attack, and it was not political. It was a personal disagreement that was blown out of proportion,” he said.
As investigations continue, the case has reignited debate over the conduct of public officials, firearm licensing, and the growing tendency for political disputes to spill into public spaces.
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