Babu Owino set free from DJ Evolve shooting charges

By Peter Ochieng

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has been set free, in the case where he was charged in relation to the shooting of Felix Orinda, popularly known as Dj Evolve.

The second term legislature was acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence, linking him to the shooting of the DJ.

According to the ruling by trial magistrate Bernard Ochoi, the prosecution failed to provide enough evidence against the lawmaker.

“Having evaluated the evidence, I find that the prosecution has failed to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt,” he ruled.

He wondered why the main witness in the case was never called to testify against the vocal MP.

“Why did the investigating officer not avail the person who recovered the bullet head and cartridge to testify?" he paused.

"If the bullet head was recovered on the wall as claimed was it not necessary for a ballistic expert to visit the scene and adduce evidence. Was it not necessary to provide medical evidence to show that the bullet exited from DJ Evolve's body and landed on the wall?" the magistrate asked.

Babu Owino was charged over allegations of misusing a firearm which led to the shooting DJ Evolve in January, 2020, in a Nairobi night club.

The MP denied all allegations against him.

He told the court that since the incidence happened, he has been taking care of the DJ's welfare and medical bills, including buying him a house in Nairobi.

While testifying virtually, DJ Evolve told the court that he did not see Babu Owino with a firearm, on the night of the incident.

He said he was not aware of what happened to him, adding that he only remembers finding himself in an ambulance.