Embakasi East MP Babu Owino in court on July 20, 2023.
Embakasi MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, has faced several court cases over the years, including attempted murder, misuse of a firearm, subversion, and incitement to violence. However, all the cases against him eventually collapsed, leaving the MP a free man.
DJ Evolve attempted murder case
The most serious case he faced was an attempted murder charge following the shooting of Felix Orinda, also known as DJ Evolve. The incident allegedly occurred on January 17, 2020, at a club in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
The case first collapsed in December 2021 when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) applied to withdraw the attempted murder charge and instead pursued a lesser charge of misuse of a firearm. This followed a plea bargain agreement in which Mr Owino committed to cater for DJ Evolve’s basic needs, including buying him an apartment and paying his medical bills.
In allowing the withdrawal, the trial court said the decision was in line with the Constitution, which encourages reconciliation.
“I will allow the request to withdraw the attempted murder charge against the accused,” the court ruled.
After the attempted murder charge was dropped, the prosecution charged Mr Owino with misuse of a firearm. However, in August 2023, the court acquitted him, blaming the prosecution for conducting a poor investigation.
Uttering abusive words against the presidency
In 2017, the MP was also charged with uttering abusive words against the presidency in a manner said to bring hatred to the office.
Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino in a Nairobi court in 2017. He was charged with subversion, incitement to violence and offensive conduct conducive to breach of peace at Stage 46 Kawangware in Dagoretti North, Nairobi. He denied the charges.
The remarks were allegedly made during a rally in Nairobi’s Kawangware area on September 24, 2017. He faced three charges, including subversion, incitement to violence, and offensive conduct.
He also faced alternative charges of incitement to violence and uttering words intended to cause disobedience of lawful authority.
The prosecution had argued that his statements were meant to stir hatred, contempt, or disaffection against a public officer.
But in November 2021 the court dismissed the case after ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges.
In 2023, Mr Owino faced a similar case alongside six other individuals.
The DPP later withdrew the charges after the High Court declared the offence of subversion unconstitutional.
“I have considered the submissions, and the application made by the prosecution is well thought out. The case is therefore terminated,” the trial court said.
Mr Owino had been arrested during nationwide anti-government protests organised by the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Following the termination of the case, he threatened to seek compensation at the High Court for alleged violations of his rights.
“We will file a constitutional petition and seek damages and costs from the State. We were unfairly treated, without food, water, or even legal representation,” he said.
On May 23, 2025, Mr Owino was admitted to the Bar as an advocate, alongside more than 600 other lawyers.
And after becoming an advocate, he joined a team of lawyers representing protesters arrested during the anniversary of the Gen Z protests on June 25 and July 7.
He appeared in court alongside senior lawyers such as Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka at the Milimani Law Courts, as well as at the Kahawa Law Courts, where some protesters were facing terror-related charges.
The MP also paid fines to secure the release of more than 200 convicts serving sentences for petty offences.
