Members of Parliament allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have called for an independent and thorough investigation into an alleged altercation involving Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai.

The incident, which is under investigation by security agencies, is reported to have taken place on Saturday night at a hotel in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. While details remain contested, the matter has drawn public attention due to the high-profile status of the two leaders.

ODM lawmakers have maintained that the issue should be treated purely as a law enforcement matter, distancing the party from the dispute and insisting that conclusions should only be drawn after investigations are complete.

Speaking on behalf of the MPs, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said authorities must conduct an impartial and exhaustive probe into the claims surrounding the confrontation.

“We have been informed of an incident in which Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai is alleged to have attacked and threatened Embakasi East MP Babu Owino following differences over political views,” Amollo said, adding that all allegations should be independently verified.

He warned that unresolved cases of political violence citing recent by-election-related incidents, including in Kasipul constituency could pose risks to the credibility of future electoral processes.

National Assembly Minority Leader Millie Odhiambo urged calm and restraint as investigations continue, calling on security agencies to handle the matter professionally. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris similarly appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to establish the facts and take appropriate action based on its findings.

Babu Owino has linked the incident to his political stance, particularly his opposition to any form of political accommodation between ODM and President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election. In a statement following the incident, Owino described the encounter as politically motivated.

“I take this incident very seriously. It was an unprovoked attack on my person, motivated by my political stand, and constituted a clear threat to my life,” he said.

ODM leaders, however, declined to endorse the claims, reiterating that the matter remains under police investigation and should be resolved through due process.

Both Owino and Alai have issued conflicting accounts of what transpired. Alai denied allegations that he brandished a firearm during the encounter, saying the two were seated at separate tables when Owino approached him.

According to Alai, he declined to engage in political discussions and asked Owino to leave after the interaction became uncomfortable.

“I told him that I’m not comfortable greeting him. He started pushing my head and making statements I did not agree with,” Alai said.

While acknowledging that he was armed at the time, the MCA denied drawing the weapon or threatening Owino, adding that any available video footage should be reviewed by investigators.

Owino, on his part, said he had attended a private meeting with a senior clergyman at a restaurant along Lenana Road. As he was leaving, he claimed he noticed individuals he knew nearby, including Alai, and approached them to exchange greetings.

The MP said tensions rose after Alai accused him of orchestrating online attacks against Alai’s wife an allegation Owino denied, stating that he does not involve family members in political disputes.

On January 4, Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon confirmed that both leaders had recorded statements with police and that investigations were ongoing.

“We are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene and continuing to record statements as part of the investigation,” Yegon said.

ODM leaders have reiterated calls for calm, saying the party will respect the outcome of the police inquiry.