DJ Evolve: MP Babu Owino Acquitted In Firearm Misuse Case

• Babu Owino was cleared of charges of misusing his firearm, with which he allegedly shot DJ Evolve in a Nairobi club
• A Nairobi court ruled that the probe into the case was shoddily done, adding that there was no proof that the bullet that injured Evolve emanated from Babu's firearm
• Regardless, after the verdict, Babu restated his commitment to standing with Evolve in the latter's journey to recovery after over three years of bed confinement

Nairobi - Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was on Tuesday, August 29, absolved of accusations of misusing his firearm.

He was accused of allegedly shooting Felix Orinda, alias DJ Evolve, with whom he had been revelling in a club in Nairobi's Kilimani area.

In a lengthy verdict, senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi said that the prosecution could not prove that the lawmaker was drunk and disorderly during the shooting incident.

Babu Owino cleared in DJ Evolve case

Ochoi added that the prosecution failed to prove that the bullet that hit Evolve emanated from Babu's firearm.

The magistrate observed that the case was of great public interest, but the investigations were shoddy, especially on exhibits, and that no medical evidence proved that Babu's firearm injured Evolve.

Earlier, Ochoi had recognised that the lawmaker elected on an ODM ticket had been taking good care of the DJ.

"Taking all the above into account, I have come to the conclusion that this is a matter where the court should encourage reconciliation as envisaged in the constitution and therefore I will allow the withdrawal against the accused in count one. The accused is acquitted," said Ochoi.

Leading Babu's attorneys was lawyer Duncan Okatch.

Babu's plans for DJ Evolve

Reacting to the development, the lawmaker attributed everything to his God, saying the direction of the case was His doing.

Babu, however, stated that the verdict would not be the end of things, explaining that he was looking forward to Evolve's complete recovery, which he said would be the main victory.

"This judgement went the way God wanted it to go. I will be happy the day that DJ Evolve will be able to walk and stand by my side, that is the day that I will say I had a victory," said Babu.

Among Babu's plans would be to fly the one-time entertainer to India for specialised treatment and start a business venture for him.

To honour Evolve's area of specialisation, Babu previously said he would set up DJ Academy in the entertainer's and acquire for him a vehicle with which he would be going about his business.

"The last surgery that made him start speaking was done at Nairobi Hospital and it cost KSh 2 million. I'm planning to buy him a motor vehicle for his mobility to set up a DJ academy for him...Further to that, I'm planning to take him to India for further treatment," he said.

Babu cleared of attempted murder case

In 2021, Babu was acquitted in an attempted murder case following the same shooting incident.

In his ruling, Ochoi noted Babu and Evolve were friends before the incident and maintained the same even after the unfortunate occurrence.

He added that the lawmaker was also taking good care of the DJ.

"Taking all the above into account, I have come to the conclusion that this is a matter where the court should encourage reconciliation as envisaged in the constitution and therefore I will allow the withdraw against the accused in count one. The accused is acquitted," said Ochoi.