Details in the case between Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve, and Babu Owino show that the Embakasi East Member of Parliament had pledged to buy a house for the family of the DJ in exchange for the withdrawal of the attempted murder case against him.
According to a court ruling rendered on Tuesday, December 14, the Magistrate noted that the apartment will ease the burden of rent payment towards the victim's family.
In the same ruling, the Magistrate noted that the vocal Legislator will foot the medical bills and the expenses of the victim.
“As a condition of withdrawal, the MP will purchase an apartment for the victim, which will resolve the issue of house rent, and continue paying the hospital bills of the victim who comes from a humble background,” stated Senior Principal Magistrate, Bernard Ochoi.
Prior to the ruling, the Magistrate allowed the victim's request to withdraw the case following an agreement to the proposal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The decision was made after a report by the probation department indicated that DJ Evolve was from a humble background and unable to pay for specialized care.
Similarly, the Magistrate noted that the concerns raised earlier about the welfare of DJ Evolve had already been covered in their agreement.
“I have come to the conclusion that this is a matter in which a court should encourage reconciliation as envisaged in the Constitution and, therefore, I will allow the request to withdraw the charges against the accused in count one – attempted murder. He is acquitted,” stated the Magistrate.
The court, however, maintained that Babu Owino will be prosecuted on a second count for behaving in a disorderly manner while carrying a firearm.
In March 2021, a Nairobi court ordered full disclosure of details of a reconciliation deal reportedly arrived at between the Embakasi East MP and DJ Evolve.
Through a letter addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the court dated September 21, 2020, DJ Evolve stated that he had agreed to drop the case and focus on getting better.
The prosecution, however, responded stating that they needed time to establish the motivation behind the DJ's sudden change of tune before the charges could be withdrawn.
Babu was accused of attempted murder by shooting him in the neck at B Club in Kilimani, Nairobi on January 17, 2020.
