Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has broken his silence following the controversial 2023 shooting incident involving popular DJ Felix “DJ Evolve” Orinda. The incident, which drew widespread public criticism and legal scrutiny, saw Babu acquitted in August 2023 due to gaps in the prosecution’s investigation and inconclusive ballistic evidence.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the trial, Babu Owino expressed deep remorse over the incident, acknowledging the severity of his actions and the profound effect they had on DJ Evolve’s life. “I took responsibility as a leader. People are saying, ‘in a working state, Babu should be in jail.’ I agree, I should be in jail, I agree. But there are different types of justice. There is the retributive justice that says ‘punish’… then there is restorative justice,” said Babu.
Taking Responsibility Beyond the Courtroom
While the legal system may have acquitted him, Babu emphasized that justice goes beyond the courtroom. According to the MP, he has been personally funding DJ Evolve’s medical care, which has amounted to a staggering Ksh. 70 million so far. “I have been taking care of medical bills, up to now…. I have taken loans from banks, from my SACCO. The amount of money we spend on DJ Evolve per month is close to Ksh.500,000,” he revealed.
This financial support, Babu explains, is part of his commitment to restorative justice—ensuring that DJ Evolve receives the care and rehabilitation needed to regain his health and continue his career. The MP also confirmed that Orinda’s condition has improved significantly, and he is now awaiting physiotherapy to regain full mobility.
A Life-Changing Moment
Reflecting on the incident, Babu described it as a “Damascus moment” that reshaped his life. He revealed that the episode inspired him to quit alcohol and drugs entirely, a habit he had previously struggled with. “It changed my life for the better. I used to drink, I used to take hard drugs… anything that could make anyone high. I stopped everything,” he said.
Interestingly, Babu also noted that DJ Evolve made lifestyle changes as well, choosing to abstain from alcohol following the shooting. “It was meant to change both of us. Felix also stopped consuming alcohol,” he said.
No Conflict, Just a Tragic Mistake
The MP stressed that the shooting was not the result of any personal conflict between him and DJ Evolve. According to Babu, the incident occurred during a discussion over a firearm, with DJ Evolve merely asking whether it was real. “Felix did not annoy me. He did not do anything wrong to me. Felix just asked me about the item [gun], that ‘is it fake or genuine?’ I just removed it to show. There was nothing wrong that happened between Felix and me. That is why he forgave me,” Babu explained.
This clarification is critical in dispelling public misconceptions that the shooting was premeditated or born out of malice. Both Babu and DJ Evolve have since chosen a path of reconciliation, demonstrating the power of restorative justice over retributive measures.
DJ Evolve’s Journey to Recovery
In 2024, DJ Evolve opened up to Citizen Digital about his recovery journey. Despite the life-altering injuries, he has remained optimistic and determined to return to the music scene. With ongoing physiotherapy and Babu’s financial support, the DJ is now preparing to get back on the decks, rekindling his passion for music and live performances.
This story of accountability, healing, and personal growth has resonated with many Kenyans, illustrating that justice and rehabilitation can take multiple forms. The case also highlights the responsibilities of public figures, the consequences of reckless actions, and the importance of taking corrective measures when one’s mistakes have caused harm.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Babu Owino’s reflections provide a powerful lesson in personal responsibility. While the courts may not have imposed a sentence, he demonstrates that true accountability involves more than legal outcomes. By actively contributing to DJ Evolve’s recovery, Babu is seeking to restore what was lost and prevent further harm—an example of restorative justice in action.
The MP’s story also emphasizes the impact of life-changing experiences in fostering personal transformation. Both he and DJ Evolve have chosen healthier lifestyles, showing that even tragic events can result in positive change when approached with honesty and humility.
As DJ Evolve looks forward to resuming his music career and Babu Owino continues his public service, their story serves as a reminder that mistakes do not define a person’s entire life. Instead, it is the response to those mistakes—the willingness to take responsibility and support healing—that ultimately shapes character.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the trial, Babu Owino expressed deep remorse over the incident, acknowledging the severity of his actions and the profound effect they had on DJ Evolve’s life. “I took responsibility as a leader. People are saying, ‘in a working state, Babu should be in jail.’ I agree, I should be in jail, I agree. But there are different types of justice. There is the retributive justice that says ‘punish’… then there is restorative justice,” said Babu.
Taking Responsibility Beyond the Courtroom
While the legal system may have acquitted him, Babu emphasized that justice goes beyond the courtroom. According to the MP, he has been personally funding DJ Evolve’s medical care, which has amounted to a staggering Ksh. 70 million so far. “I have been taking care of medical bills, up to now…. I have taken loans from banks, from my SACCO. The amount of money we spend on DJ Evolve per month is close to Ksh.500,000,” he revealed.
This financial support, Babu explains, is part of his commitment to restorative justice—ensuring that DJ Evolve receives the care and rehabilitation needed to regain his health and continue his career. The MP also confirmed that Orinda’s condition has improved significantly, and he is now awaiting physiotherapy to regain full mobility.
A Life-Changing Moment
Reflecting on the incident, Babu described it as a “Damascus moment” that reshaped his life. He revealed that the episode inspired him to quit alcohol and drugs entirely, a habit he had previously struggled with. “It changed my life for the better. I used to drink, I used to take hard drugs… anything that could make anyone high. I stopped everything,” he said.
Interestingly, Babu also noted that DJ Evolve made lifestyle changes as well, choosing to abstain from alcohol following the shooting. “It was meant to change both of us. Felix also stopped consuming alcohol,” he said.
No Conflict, Just a Tragic Mistake
The MP stressed that the shooting was not the result of any personal conflict between him and DJ Evolve. According to Babu, the incident occurred during a discussion over a firearm, with DJ Evolve merely asking whether it was real. “Felix did not annoy me. He did not do anything wrong to me. Felix just asked me about the item [gun], that ‘is it fake or genuine?’ I just removed it to show. There was nothing wrong that happened between Felix and me. That is why he forgave me,” Babu explained.
This clarification is critical in dispelling public misconceptions that the shooting was premeditated or born out of malice. Both Babu and DJ Evolve have since chosen a path of reconciliation, demonstrating the power of restorative justice over retributive measures.
DJ Evolve’s Journey to Recovery
In 2024, DJ Evolve opened up to Citizen Digital about his recovery journey. Despite the life-altering injuries, he has remained optimistic and determined to return to the music scene. With ongoing physiotherapy and Babu’s financial support, the DJ is now preparing to get back on the decks, rekindling his passion for music and live performances.
This story of accountability, healing, and personal growth has resonated with many Kenyans, illustrating that justice and rehabilitation can take multiple forms. The case also highlights the responsibilities of public figures, the consequences of reckless actions, and the importance of taking corrective measures when one’s mistakes have caused harm.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Babu Owino’s reflections provide a powerful lesson in personal responsibility. While the courts may not have imposed a sentence, he demonstrates that true accountability involves more than legal outcomes. By actively contributing to DJ Evolve’s recovery, Babu is seeking to restore what was lost and prevent further harm—an example of restorative justice in action.
The MP’s story also emphasizes the impact of life-changing experiences in fostering personal transformation. Both he and DJ Evolve have chosen healthier lifestyles, showing that even tragic events can result in positive change when approached with honesty and humility.
As DJ Evolve looks forward to resuming his music career and Babu Owino continues his public service, their story serves as a reminder that mistakes do not define a person’s entire life. Instead, it is the response to those mistakes—the willingness to take responsibility and support healing—that ultimately shapes character.
