Newly surfaced CCTV footage has brought fresh clarity to the now-viral confrontation between Embakasi MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai that erupted at a popular Kilimani restaurant on January 3.
The visuals, currently being reviewed by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), capture how a harmless afternoon at Cedar’s turned into a heated face-off that has gripped Nairobi’s political and social discourse.
According to the CCTV clips, MP Babu Owino is seen rising from his seat around 4:01 p.m. and approaching Alai’s table, where Alai was seated with a group of companions. Greetings were given, and the initial gestures seem friendly. However, within minutes, the interaction rapidly escalates into a physical altercation. At roughly two and a half minutes into the footage, Alai is shown pushing Owino, triggering a scuffle that draws the attention of other patrons.
What followed in the next moments is at the center of intense disagreement. The CCTV appears to show Alai reaching toward what look like a firearm at his waist. It is this moment that Babu Owino has highlighted in his public complaint, alleging that Alai threatened his life by drawing a weapon during the clash.
The footage also depicts a female restaurant guest stepping forward to defuse the tension, as the confrontation shifts toward another gazebo. In the melee, Alai allegedly throws an object at the MP, prompting Owino to leave the venue and head directly to Kilimani Police Station, where he reported the incident.
Both political figures have offered sharply conflicting accounts of what transpired. Owino’s statement described a sudden escalation, saying Alai became aggressive, physically pushed him and drew a pistol, striking him on the chest and jaw before pouring water on his face. The MP characterized the episode as deeply alarming and called for a thorough investigation and legal action.
Alai, on his part, has strongly denied the allegation that he drew his firearm, insisting the dispute stemmed from a personal disagreement. In an interview with TV47, the MCA said Owino approached his table without invitation and persisted in an uncomfortable discussion despite Alai’s clear desire to avoid engagement. Alai explained that the gun was on his waist but maintained that he did not brandish it toward the MP, adding that a friend at the table briefly handled the firearm out of concern. He has challenged critics to provide footage proving he aimed the weapon at Owino.
The dispute reportedly began after comments exchanged between the two about personal and political boundaries, with Alai insisting that family matters should not be dragged into political disagreements. While the exact trigger is still subject to verification, both parties agree that tensions quickly escalated beyond a normal conversation.
Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon confirmed that police seized Alai’s firearm as part of evidence collection and that both men have recorded statements as investigations continue. The CCTV footage is currently being carefully examined by authorities to identify the chronology of events, examine allegations of aggressiveness, and decide whether to file criminal charges.
