Babu Owino Says He “Should Be in Jail” Over DJ Evolve Shooting
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has openly admitted that under a fully functioning justice system, he would likely be serving a prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of Felix Orinda.
Speaking during an interview on NTV Kenya’s Fixing the Nation, the outspoken legislator addressed persistent public criticism over his freedom, saying he understands why many Kenyans believe he belongs behind bars.
“In a working state, Babu should be in jail. I agree. I should be in jail. But there are different types of justice,” he stated.
Retributive vs Restorative Justice
Owino drew a clear distinction between retributive justice—focused on punishment—and restorative justice, which aims to repair harm and restore victims.
Referencing the biblical wisdom of King Solomon, he argued that a purely punitive approach might not always deliver the best outcome for victims.
According to him, remaining free has enabled him to directly support DJ Evolve’s recovery—something he believes would not have been possible had he been incarcerated.
Sh70 Million Spent on Medical Care
The MP revealed the scale of his financial commitment toward the DJ’s treatment, stating that he has spent close to Sh70 million since the incident.
Breakdown of Costs:
- Total expenditure: ~Sh70 million
- Monthly medical costs: ~Sh500,000
- Outstanding bill at The Nairobi Hospital: ~Sh28 million
Owino said he has financed these expenses through loans from banks and SACCOs, underscoring the long-term burden of the incident.
A Life-Changing Turning Point
Describing the shooting as a transformative moment, Owino likened it to a “Saul to Paul” experience—referencing a dramatic personal change.
He admitted that before 2020, he struggled with alcohol and substance use but claims to have completely reformed since the incident.
“I used to drink. I used to take hard substance drugs. I stopped all this from 2020 to date. I’ve never touched a glass of alcohol.”
What Happened That Night?
The incident occurred in January 2020 at B-Club in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. CCTV footage later showed Owino shooting DJ Evolve in the neck at close range.
Owino maintains the shooting was accidental, claiming the DJ had asked to see his firearm when it discharged.
The shooting left DJ Evolve paralysed, requiring multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
Charges Dropped After Settlement
In 2021, a Kenyan court allowed the withdrawal of attempted murder charges against Owino after DJ Evolve filed an application to settle the matter out of court.
The DJ cited his personal healing process as a key reason for the decision, effectively ending the criminal proceedings.
Owino insists that forgiveness was genuine and not financially motivated.
“He forgave me from day one… not because of money, but because he is a good person.”
DJ Evolve’s Recovery Journey
Despite the life-altering injury, DJ Evolve has made notable progress in his recovery. Owino noted that he can now speak and eat normally, though he continues with physiotherapy in hopes of regaining mobility.
The case remains one of Kenya’s most high-profile examples of restorative justice—sparking ongoing debate about accountability, privilege, and the effectiveness of alternative justice systems.
Public Debate Continues
Owino’s remarks are likely to reignite public discourse around justice in Kenya, with critics arguing that the case reflects inequality in the legal system, while supporters point to the tangible support given to the victim.
The central question remains: Does financial and personal accountability substitute for prison time?
Conclusion
By admitting he “should be in jail,” Babu Owino has added a new dimension to an already complex case. His defense of restorative justice, backed by millions spent on care, continues to divide opinion—highlighting deeper questions about law, morality, and fairness in Kenya’s justice system.