Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has dismissed claims that his reported gun confrontation with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was politically motivated, insisting the incident was a personal misunderstanding.
Speaking during an interview with TV47 on Monday, Alai gave his version of what transpired at a Kilimani restaurant on Saturday night.
According to Alai, the confrontation began when Babu Owino spotted him seated with a group of acquaintances at the popular restaurant and attempted to greet them.
Alai said he declined the greeting, a move that appeared to irritate the MP.
He alleged that Babu then pushed his head while making remarks about his ambitions for the Nairobi County gubernatorial seat, claiming his bid was unstoppable.
Alai was keen to stress that the incident had nothing to do with politics or competition for public office.
He noted that the restaurant has been a regular meeting place for him and his associates for over a decade, describing those present as respected and well-established individuals in Kenyan society. He said such people would not condone reckless or criminal behavior in their presence.
The MCA further explained that the disagreement should be viewed in the context of a personal fallout rather than a public or political feud.
He downplayed suggestions of a serious standoff, saying the situation had been exaggerated in public discourse following reports of a gun-related confrontation.
Despite the heated exchange, Alai maintained that his relationship with Babu Owino remains intact.
According to Alai, disagreements between friends are normal and should not automatically be framed as political warfare.
The remarks come amid intense public attention and online debate surrounding the Kilimani incident.
Alai’s clarification appears aimed at calming tensions and distancing the episode from Nairobi’s already charged political environment, as both leaders continue to attract national attention for different reasons.