An in-depth exploration of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s pledge to disclose details of the 2020 DJ Evolve shooting incident as he prepares for his Nairobi gubernatorial bid, examining the controversy, public sentiment, and implications for his political future.
Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, widely known as Babu Owino, has reignited public interest with a bold promise to reveal the full details of the January 2020 shooting of Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve, before officially launching his campaign for Nairobi’s gubernatorial seat in 2027. The announcement, made in late July 2025, has stirred a mix of anticipation and skepticism, as the incident remains one of the most controversial episodes in Owino’s political career. With Nairobi’s political landscape heating up, Owino’s decision to revisit the shooting, which left DJ Evolve partially paralyzed, is seen as both a step toward transparency and a strategic move to address a lingering stain on his public image. This article delves into the events of the shooting, the legal and personal aftermath, and the potential impact on Owino’s gubernatorial ambitions, drawing on perspectives from supporters, critics, and those close to the situation.
The shooting took place in the early hours of January 17, 2020, at B Club, a popular nightclub in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. According to accounts from the time, a confrontation preceded the incident, resulting in DJ Evolve being shot in the neck. The injury was severe, requiring multiple surgeries and leaving the DJ with significant physical challenges. Owino was arrested shortly after and initially faced charges of attempted murder, which were later downgraded to misuse of a firearm. In August 2023, he was acquitted due to insufficient evidence, with the court citing a lack of forensic proof and failure to call key witnesses. “The prosecution’s case was not watertight,” said Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi during the ruling. “There was no clear evidence linking the accused to the firearm used in the incident.”
The case has been a lightning rod for controversy, amplified by CCTV footage that surfaced online, allegedly showing Owino pointing an object at DJ Evolve before the shooting. However, the footage was deemed inconclusive in court, and DJ Evolve himself testified that he did not see Owino with a gun and was unaware of who shot him. “We were talking, and then I found myself in an ambulance,” DJ Evolve recounted during the trial. Despite the acquittal, public opinion remains divided, with some viewing Owino as culpable and others believing he has been unfairly targeted due to his political prominence.
Owino’s announcement that he will provide a full account of the incident comes at a pivotal moment. As he prepares to challenge incumbent Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and other contenders in 2027, addressing the shooting could help him regain public trust. “I want to be open with the people of Nairobi,” Owino said in a recent statement. “Before I ask for their votes, I owe them the truth about what happened that night.” Supporters see this as a sign of accountability. “Babu has been there for DJ Evolve’s family, paying hospital bills and promising support for his recovery,” says Jane Wambui, a 30-year-old market vendor in Embakasi East. “That shows he’s not running from responsibility.”
Indeed, Owino has taken significant steps to support DJ Evolve since the incident. Reports indicate he has covered medical expenses exceeding Sh5 million, including plans for treatment abroad and the establishment of a DJ academy to secure Evolve’s future. In 2022, DJ Evolve and his family agreed to an out-of-court settlement, which included Owino purchasing two houses and a vehicle for them. “My goal is to see Felix walk again,” Owino said after his acquittal. “I’ve been with him every step of his recovery.” These actions have won over some, including media personality Oga Obinna, who has known both men since their university days. “Babu and Evolve were friends before this happened, and they’ve stayed friends,” Obinna said in a March 2025 interview. “Mistakes happen, but Babu’s been taking care of him.”
Critics, however, question the timing of Owino’s pledge. With the gubernatorial race looming, some see it as a calculated attempt to reshape the narrative. “Why now?” asks Peter Kimani, a 42-year-old teacher in Nairobi. “If he wanted to clear the air, he could have done it years ago, not when he’s eyeing City Hall.” Posts on X echo this sentiment, with some users urging voters to remember the incident when considering Owino’s candidacy. Others point to the lack of justice, noting that despite the severity of DJ Evolve’s injuries, no one has been held criminally accountable. “Being financed by the person who caused your injury isn’t justice,” Obinna remarked, highlighting the complexity of the situation. “It’s necessity.”
The legal proceedings revealed significant flaws in the prosecution’s case. The Director of Public Prosecutions faced criticism for relying heavily on inconclusive CCTV footage and failing to produce forensic evidence, such as a ballistic report linking the bullet to a specific firearm. The investigating officer was faulted for not calling key witnesses, including the person who recovered the bullet. The DPP also cited delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and DJ Evolve’s initial inability to provide a statement due to his injuries. These shortcomings led to Owino’s acquittal, but the DPP appealed the decision in September 2023, arguing that the magistrate overlooked critical evidence. The appeal’s outcome remains pending, adding another layer of uncertainty to Owino’s promise to speak out.
Owino’s political journey has been marked by both charisma and controversy. A former leader of the Student Organisation of Nairobi University, he has cultivated a strong following in Embakasi East through grassroots initiatives and vocal criticism of the establishment. His gubernatorial bid, however, faces challenges beyond the DJ Evolve case. Nairobi Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, who worked with Owino during their university days, recently suggested he needs mentorship to mature as a leader. “Babu’s still young in politics,” Mosiria said on Pulse Let’s Talk. “The DJ Evolve incident shows he has room to grow before taking on a role like governor.”
Public sentiment, as reflected on platforms like X, is polarized. A July 2025 poll by Politrack Africa showed Owino trailing Embakasi North MP James Gakuya in the gubernatorial race, with 35.1% support compared to Gakuya’s 40.2%. Yet, Owino’s base remains loyal, particularly among younger voters who admire his defiance and community projects. “Nairobi needs a leader who fights for the people,” says Wambui. “Babu’s made mistakes, but who hasn’t?” Conversely, critics argue that the shooting raises questions about his judgment. “A governor needs to be calm under pressure,” says Kimani. “That incident makes you wonder if he can handle the job.”
DJ Evolve’s recovery has been a focal point of the story. Once bedridden, he has made remarkable progress, moving with the aid of a wheelchair and speaking publicly. His decision to withdraw the attempted murder charge in 2022, coupled with his testimony, has fueled speculation about the nature of their settlement. While some see it as a genuine reconciliation, others view it as a pragmatic choice driven by financial dependence. “Felix is a fighter,” says Obinna. “But no amount of money can replace what he’s lost.”
As Owino prepares to share his account, the details he chooses to reveal will be critical. Will he clarify the events leading to the shooting, address the role of the firearm, or explain the out-of-court agreement? His ability to present a sincere and coherent narrative could sway public opinion, but any perception of evasion risks further backlash. “Transparency is a double-edged sword,” says political analyst Mary Otieno. “If he’s honest and shows remorse, he could win hearts. But if it feels like a campaign tactic, it’ll hurt him.”
Nairobi’s gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a battle of narratives, with Owino positioning himself as a reformer against a backdrop of past controversies. His critique of Governor Sakaja’s administration—focusing on issues like traffic, insecurity, and corruption—resonates with many, but the shadow of the DJ Evolve incident looms large. As he prepares to speak, Owino faces a city eager for answers and a political future that hinges on his ability to confront his past. “I’ve grown from that night,” Owino said in a 2020 interview. “My focus is on making Nairobi better.” Whether voters believe him will depend on the story he tells.
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