Ksh70 Million Later: Babu Owino Reflects On “Restorative Justice” And DJ Evolve’s Recovery

Six years after a life-altering shooting incident at a Nairobi nightclub, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has provided a rare update on his financial and personal journey alongside DJ Evolve (Felix Orinda). Speaking on May 4 during a televised morning show, the lawmaker detailed the immense costs associated with the entertainer’s ongoing recovery.

The Financial Toll of Responsibility

Following the 2020 incident at B Club, which left DJ Evolve with severe spinal injuries, Babu Owino entered a plea bargain to cover all medical and living expenses. The MP revealed that fulfilling this commitment has cost him nearly Ksh70 million over the last six years, a figure he admits has forced him to seek external financial help through bank loans and his personal circles. He noted that he continues to spend approximately Ksh500,000 monthly on treatment-related costs.

Babu argued that this arrangement is a form of “restorative justice,” focusing on the victim’s healing rather than purely punitive measures. While the legal proceedings saw his attempted murder charge withdrawn in 2021 and a subsequent acquittal on firearm misuse in 2023, the MP maintains that his financial obligation remains a priority.

Progress in Recovery

There is a glimmer of hope regarding DJ Evolve’s physical state. According to Babu, the entertainer has made significant strides in his long road to rehabilitation. He is now able to speak and eat, though he still requires consistent physiotherapy with the goal of eventually regaining his mobility and walking again.

A Personal Transformation

Beyond the financial updates, Babu Owino claimed the tragedy served as a radical turning point in his own life. He maintained his stance that the shooting was accidental—alleging the firearm discharged while Evolve was questioning its authenticity—but admitted the gravity of the situation led him to abandon alcohol and substance use entirely.

As DJ Evolve continues his specialized treatment, the case remains a landmark example of the complexities of the Kenyan legal system regarding out-of-court settlements and the long-term cost of restorative justice.