Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is now threatening to sue Nation Media Group over a story on Felix Orinda, polularly known as DJ Evolve.
The controversial lawmaker, who he is accused of shooting the entertainer on the neck while raveling at B Club in Nairobi’s Kilimani area in January, denied the charges preferred against him at a Milimani court and was granted Sh10 million bail.
He later appealed, and the cash bail was reviewed to Sh 5 million after being charged with attempted murder and behaving in a disorderly manner.
NTV on Monday reported that DJ Evolve, who was recently discharged from Nairobi hospital, is still bedridden and cannot do anything by himself.
The video showed the DJ has not fully regained his voice and is struggling to talk.
But through his lawyers, Okatch and Partners Advocates, Babu asked the media for a public apology within two days.
He wants the media house to admit liability for ‘slanderous and libelous statements’ or he will sue.
In his demand letter, Babu claims that the piece aired on TV was aimed at pitting him against the public.
“That your story on the plight of Orinda though noble as it shows his improved state, has been used by yourselves to attack, accuse, persecute. reprimand, convict our client in the eyes of the public. The sole intention was indeed to whip up emotions, and incite the public against our client, ” the letter dated July 1 read.
Babu said the story infringes his constitutional rights to a fair hearing.
“That we have carefully listened to and watched the said story over and over and indeed at no point has the said Felix Orinda stated that he was shot by our client, ” he said.
“In fact, even before your news item, Orinda has never ever stated in any forum whatsoever that he was shot by our client. The Directorate of Public prosecutions has further confirmed that in fact Orinda has never recorded a statement on the matter.”
Babu said that the ‘slanderous, libelous defamatory remarks’ have made him suffer considerable mental anguish and embarrassment.
According to the DPP Noordin Haji, the case has been slowed down by the inability of the victim to record a statement following the shooting which affected his speech.
The DPP through a statement issued on June 30 said that Investigation report shows that the victim is paralyzed and has a speech impediment making it very challenging to record his statement.
The MP was arraigned in court on January 1, 2020 and was charged with attempted murder and behaving in a disorderly manner.
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