A lunchtime outing at a popular Kilimani restaurant nearly descended into tragedy on Saturday after a heated confrontation between Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino spiralled into a terrifying gun scare that left diners shaken.
The dramatic incident unfolded at Cedars Lebanese Restaurant, where the two politicians arrived separately. According to eyewitnesses, Babu Owino was already seated and having lunch with another man when Alai walked in, spotted him, and headed straight to his table.
What began as a tense verbal exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown confrontation.
Witnesses say Alai accused Babu Owino of orchestrating a series of online attacks against his wife, allegedly through controversial social media commentator Maverick Aoko. In recent days, Aoko has published several stinging and highly personal posts on X targeting Alai’s wife.
“Alai alleged that Owino was behind the attacks and had hired Maverick Aoko to tarnish his wife’s name,” said a witness who was seated at the bar. “Babu denied it completely and said he does not even know Alai’s wife personally and has no reason whatsoever to malign her.”
As the argument intensified, tension rippled across the restaurant, with diners turning their attention to the unfolding standoff. Moments later, the situation took a shocking turn.
Several witnesses allege that Alai pulled out a pistol, cocked it, and pointed it directly at Owino, attempting to fire multiple times. The firearm, however, failed to discharge.
Panic erupted instantly. Diners screamed, ducked under tables, and scrambled for cover as fears of an imminent shooting gripped the restaurant.
In a decisive intervention, a senior police officer who was dining at the restaurant swiftly moved in and disarmed Alai before anyone was hurt. The officer was later identified as Mohamed Amin Shurie, a top official at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Following the intervention, a visibly shaken Alai reportedly left the restaurant immediately. Owino remained briefly before also departing, as staff and patrons struggled to process what they had just witnessed.
“No one could believe what had just happened,” said another diner. “This was one of the most frightening moments I’ve ever experienced in a public place.”
The incident has reignited public concern over the presence of firearms in social spaces and the conduct of political leaders, particularly in Nairobi’s upscale entertainment districts.
It has also revived memories of Babu Owino’s own troubled history with firearms. In January 2020, the Embakasi East MP was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of DJ Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve, following a shooting at B-Club lounge in Kilimani.
DJ Evolve survived the incident but suffered severe spinal cord injuries, leaving him permanently wheelchair-bound and dependent on constant medical care. The case was marked by numerous court delays and controversy after DJ Evolve’s family later filed an affidavit seeking to withdraw the attempted murder charges — a move that sparked widespread public outrage and allegations of coercion or an out-of-court settlement.
Although the state later pursued lesser charges of behaving in a disorderly manner while carrying a firearm, Owino has consistently maintained that the shooting was accidental.
When contacted over Saturday’s incident, Owino’s lawyer said he would consult his client and issue a statement, but had not done so by the time of publication. Alai had also not responded to requests for comment.
While no injuries were reported, those present described the confrontation as a chilling reminder of how quickly political rivalries can turn dangerous, even in the most ordinary public settings.
As investigations are expected to follow, questions are already being raised about firearm licensing, accountability, and the safety of Nairobi’s social spaces amid rising political tensions.
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