MP Babu Owino Freed on KSh10 Million Cash Bail

Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, was on Monday released on a Ksh10 million cash bail in the case in which he is charged with attempted murder and disorderly behavior while carrying a firearm.

Milimani Law Courts Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi directed that the bail amount be paid in four installments of KSh2.5 million for the next four months. 

Babu, who is accused of shooting and wounding Felix Orinda, alias DJ Evolve, at B-Club in Nairobi on January 17th, will be freed once he deposits the first installment of KSh2.5 million. Babu pleaded not guilty to the two charges on Monday, January 20th.

Magistrate Andayi indicated that the money will be used to fund the victim’s treatment with the amount that remains unused serving as bail. The accused was further prohibited from indulging in any form of narcotics or alcohol.

Orinda’s family had opposed the release of Babu, saying they were concerned about his safety and that of other family members. They argued that Babu “wields a lot of power and may use the same to subvert justice.”

“Their plea to the court is that if the same is granted, other protective measures should be instituted to ensure the security of the victim, family and also to safeguard against witness interference,” the family said in the bail assessment report.

Orinda, 25, is currently admitted at the Critical Care Unit at The Nairobi Hospital after he underwent surgery last week.

Babu has been in custody for the past seven days pending today’s bail ruling.