CALEB MWENDWA MUSYOKI
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has once again brought the tragic 2020 shooting of Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve, into the public eye. In a recent detailed disclosure, the lawmaker claimed to have spent over KSh. 70 million on the DJ's medical treatment and specialised care since the incident occurred four years ago.
The shooting, which took place at B-Club in Nairobi in January 2020, left DJ Evolve paralysed from the mid-section down. Since then, his journey has been one of gruelling physical therapy and round-the-clock medical attention. According to Babu Owino, the staggering KSh 70 million figure covers:
Initial Hospital Bills: Extensive surgeries and months of intensive care at Nairobi Hospital.
Home Care Setup: Transformation of the DJ’s residence into a mini-medical facility with specialized beds and monitoring equipment.
Specialized Therapy: Daily sessions with physiotherapists and occupational therapists to assist with mobility and voice recovery.
Nursing Staff: 24-hour nursing care to manage the complications arising from the spinal injury.
The shooting, which took place at B-Club in Nairobi in January 2020, left DJ Evolve paralysed from the mid-section down. Since then, his journey has been one of gruelling physical therapy and round-the-clock medical attention. According to Babu Owino, the staggering KSh 70 million figure covers:
Initial Hospital Bills: Extensive surgeries and months of intensive care at Nairobi Hospital.
Home Care Setup: Transformation of the DJ’s residence into a mini-medical facility with specialized beds and monitoring equipment.
Specialized Therapy: Daily sessions with physiotherapists and occupational therapists to assist with mobility and voice recovery.
Nursing Staff: 24-hour nursing care to manage the complications arising from the spinal injury.
While Babu Owino frames these payments as a commitment to his "friend," the narrative remains deeply polarising. In 2023, the MP was acquitted of charges related to the misuse of a firearm, a verdict that sparked significant public outcry.
Despite the legal win, Owino has maintained that he opted to take full responsibility for Evolve's welfare outside the courtroom. "I am doing this because Evolve is my friend and I want to see him back on his feet," the MP stated, emphasizing that the financial support is an ongoing commitment.
Despite the legal win, Owino has maintained that he opted to take full responsibility for Evolve's welfare outside the courtroom. "I am doing this because Evolve is my friend and I want to see him back on his feet," the MP stated, emphasizing that the financial support is an ongoing commitment.
Reports indicate that DJ Evolve has made progress in regaining his voice, which was initially lost due to the tracheotomy required after the shooting. However, he remains largely bedridden, relying on the very medical support the MP claims to be funding.
Critics argue that no amount of money can compensate for a lost career and physical independence, while supporters of the MP suggest that his financial consistency is a rare gesture of accountability in a political landscape often devoid of it.
Critics argue that no amount of money can compensate for a lost career and physical independence, while supporters of the MP suggest that his financial consistency is a rare gesture of accountability in a political landscape often devoid of it.
The disclosure has reignited a fierce debate on social media. Many Kenyans are questioning the source of such vast sums of money, while others remain focused on the justice system's failure to provide a conclusive criminal conviction. As DJ Evolve continues his quiet battle for health in his Nairobi home, the "KSh 70 million" tag remains a heavy symbol of one of the most publicized tragedies in Kenya's entertainment history.
