Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, was on Tuesday, September 19, scheduled to return to court to request the return of his gun.
The request by Owino follows his acquittal in a case related to the alleged misuse of the weapon. The case arose from charges of shooting and fatally wounding Felix Orinda, also known as DJ Evolve. The shooting incident occurred at a nightclub in Kilimani, Nairobi, in 2020.
As a result of the shooting, DJ Evolve sustained a neck injury which has affected his mobility to date.
Authorities had confiscated Babu Owino’s firearm during the course of their investigations into the incident.
During the proceedings, DJ Evolve testified remotely, stating that he had no recollection of the events that occurred on the night of the shooting. He explained that his awareness began when he found himself inside an ambulance.
Worth mentioning is that DJ Evolve mentioned that he did not witness Babu Owino with a firearm that night. He also added that he had no knowledge of the weapon responsible for his injury.
In response, Babu Owino made a commitment to support DJ Evolve throughout his treatment. He has not only covered DJ Evolve’s medical expenses but also provided financial assistance for his daily needs.
This judgment has unfolded in the manner that the Almighty God intended it to. This is how God intended it to be!
Babu Owino, Embakasi East MP, when he was acquitted of misuse of weapons charge
The second witness, who served as Babu Owino’s security guard, testified that the Member of Parliament did not use his firearm on the day of the incident.
Instead, he clarified that Babu Owino had taken the gun for maintenance and inspection due to a malfunction, emphasizing that there was no intention to use it harmfully on that night.
‘Lack of sufficient evidence to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt’
Trial Magistrate Bernard Ochoi noted that the prosecution had not proven that the gunshot originated from Babu Owino’s firearm. He also added that the prosecutor had also failed to demonstrate that Babu Owino was under the influence on that specific day.
“Samples taken do not indicate that the investigating officer sought to determine the alcohol content in Babu’s blood.”
Consequently, Babu Owino was released, and the charges of attempted murder against him were dropped.
“This judgment has unfolded in the manner that the Almighty God intended it to. This is how God intended it to be,” Babu remarked following his acquittal.