The shadow of a gun once again trailed Embakasi East MP Babu Owino this week, years after a single bullet at a Kilimani nightclub altered his political and personal life forever.
Owino found himself at the centre of another frightening firearm-related episode after a dramatic confrontation with Kileleshwa MCA Robert #Alai at a high-end Nairobi restaurant, reviving painful memories of the DJ Evolve shooting that has continued to define his public image.
The encounter unfolded at Cedars Lebanese Restaurant in Kilimani, where the two politicians arrived independently. Owino was already seated, holding a lunch meeting with an unidentified companion, when Alai walked in, recognised him and headed straight to his table.
What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned hostile. Witnesses say Alai accused Owino of orchestrating online attacks against his wife through outspoken digital activist Maverick Aoko, who has recently published a string of harsh and personal posts about her on X.
“Owino appeared surprised by the accusation and insisted he neither knows Alai’s wife nor has any motive to target her,” said a diner who observed the confrontation from the bar area.
The situation escalated dramatically moments later. According to eyewitness accounts, an agitated Alai allegedly pulled out a firearm, cocked it and aimed it at Owino, attempting to fire several times. Panic rippled through the restaurant as patrons froze.
Fate, however, intervened. The weapon reportedly malfunctioned, jamming before a shot could be discharged. At that critical moment, a senior police officer dining nearby — later identified as Mohamed Amin Shurie, the DCI’s head of financial crimes — moved swiftly, disarming Alai and averting what could have been a deadly outcome.
Alai left the restaurant immediately after being subdued, while Owino, visibly shaken, departed shortly afterwards.
Attempts to reach Alai for comment were unsuccessful, while Owino’s legal team indicated a statement would be issued after consulting their client, but none had been released by the time of publication.
Beyond the immediate drama, the incident reopened a chapter Owino has struggled to escape. In January 2020, he was charged over the shooting of DJ Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve, at B-Club in Kilimani. The DJ survived but was left paralysed, confined to a wheelchair and dependent on lifelong care.
Although the attempted murder charge was later dropped following a controversial affidavit by DJ Evolve’s family, the case ignited national outrage and lingering questions. Owino has always maintained the shooting was accidental, yet the image of a gun has remained firmly attached to his name.
This latest scare suggests that, for Babu Owino, the ghost of the gun has never truly been laid to rest.