Court Rules MP Babu Owino Has a Case to Answer Over DJ Evolve Shooting

A Nairobi court has ruled that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has a case to answer over the shooting of Felix Orinda, alias DJ Evolve, in 2020.

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi ruled that the prosecution adduced evidence to warrant putting Owino on his defense.

The accused is charged with disorderly behavior while carrying a gun by firing one bullet with intent to shoot DJ Evolve at B-Club in Kilimani, Nairobi on the night of January 17th, 2020.

The hearing is scheduled to start on June 15th.

In 2021, the trial court granted an application by DJ Evolve to withdraw the attempted murder charge against Owino but upheld the prosecution's objection that the second count on misuse of a firearm could not be withdrawn at the request of the victim.

DJ Evolve withdrew the matter following an out-of-court settlement where the MP agreed to buy the victim an apartment, a customized car designed for use by a person with a disability, and pay his medical bills and other expenses.

 “As a condition of withdrawal, the MP will purchase an apartment for the victim which will resolve the issue of house rent, and also continue paying for the hospital bills of the victim who comes from a humble background,” Magistrate Ochoi said in the acquittal ruling.

In addition, Owino agreed to set up a music academy for DJ Evolve when he recovers and use it to generate an income.

Following the shooting, the disk jockey was admitted to Nairobi Hospital for six months where he underwent multiple surgeries before he was discharged to recuperate at home.