Calls for arrest of Kileleshwa MCA Alai mount over alleged assault of chiefs

Outrage has erupted following an incident during a public participation meeting in Kileleshwa where two women chiefs were allegedly assaulted by goons said to have been accompanying Kileleshwa Member of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, prompting calls for accountability and stronger protection of public officers.

Alai allegedly stormed a public participation meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in Kileleshwa and assaulted Kikeleshwa Chief Joyline and Kilimani Chief Catherine Njeru who had accompanied her. The two have been admitted at Nairobi women Hospital.

Calsl have now mounted demanding immediate arrest of the fiery MCA.

The Kenya Women Senators Association (KewOSA) condemned the incident on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, describing it as a violent attack on the two administrators who were carrying out a constitutional public participation exercise.

According to the association, the chiefs sustained injuries during the confrontation and were later admitted to Nairobi Women’s Hospital for treatment. KewOSA said the officers were lawfully executing their mandate under the National Government Coordination framework.

“The two Chiefs, who were lawfully discharging official government duties in the course of facilitating a constitutional public participation exercise, sustained injuries following the assault,” the association said.

The lobby group described the attack as an affront to constitutional governance and a dangerous escalation of violence against women in public service. It cited constitutional provisions guaranteeing equality, dignity, and protection from violence, stressing that no public officer should be subjected to intimidation or harm while performing lawful duties.

KewOSA called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

It also urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to handle the matter independently.

The association further urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to strengthen security for chiefs and assistant chiefs during public engagements, warning that such attacks undermine public administration and the rule of law.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions over public participation meetings in Nairobi’s Kileleshwa area, where residents have increasingly clashed over high-rise developments.

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has in recent days alleged that powerful cartels are influencing approval processes for high-rise developments in affluent estates, claiming that billions of shillings are exchanged to fast-track controversial projects.

In a video shared on social media, Alai accused developers of using intimidation, bribery, and manipulation of public participation processes to push through projects, including developments along Rhapta Road.

He also questioned the timing of public participation meetings, arguing that some are held during periods of insecurity or protests, making it difficult for residents to attend and participate meaningfully.

Alai further raised concerns about rapid vertical development in areas such as Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Lavington, Waruku and Kawangware, saying existing infrastructure cannot support the densification.

He pointed to recurring power outages in parts of Nairobi, arguing that the infrastructure was not designed for the current population density.

The MCA also alleged that some developments proceed in violation of zoning regulations and court rulings, claiming that approvals are sometimes facilitated improperly by local administrators.

Alai said he would support legal action by residents opposing disputed developments and insisted that leaders must not ignore concerns raised by communities.

The developments are linked to ongoing debates around the Court of Appeal’s 2025 ruling on Rhapta Road zoning, which opened the door for high-rise construction in parts of Nairobi while directing the county to update its planning regulations.

Residents in affected estates have continued to oppose the developments, citing congestion, environmental concerns, and loss of green spaces, even as authorities push for updated urban planning frameworks.

KewOSA concluded by expressing solidarity with the injured chiefs and wished them a quick recovery, reiterating that violence against public officers cannot be tolerated in a constitutional democracy.