NAIROBI, Kenya — Popular entertainer DJ Brownskin, real name Michael Njiiri, has been acquitted of all charges linked to the death of his wife, Sharon Njeri, who died in July 2022 after ingesting poison.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, the Milimani Magistrate’s Court found that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case, clearing the DJ of three serious charges: aiding suicide, neglect to prevent a felony, and destroying evidence.
Magistrate Caroline Nyanguthi ruled that the evidence presented could not sustain a conviction, stating that the court could not “safely convict on any of the counts.”
DJ Brownskin was acquitted under Section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows for dismissal of charges where no case has been established.
While delivering her decision, the magistrate underscored the need for “sobriety, compassion and respect for human dignity,” describing the death as a profound tragedy that affected both families.
She noted, however, that the court’s mandate was not to pass moral judgment but to assess whether the legal threshold for prosecution had been met.
The court acknowledged that Sharon Njeri died by suicide but ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that DJ Brownskin encouraged, influenced, or intentionally contributed to the act.
Only two witnesses — a househelp and the couple’s daughter — were present at the time of the incident.
Their testimony indicated that the couple had been intoxicated and argued shortly before Njeri consumed the poison.
The witnesses further told the court that once the DJ realised something was wrong, he attempted to help by giving her milk, seeking assistance from neighbours, and rushing her to hospital.
“There was no evidence that the accused supplied any instrument, issued instructions, encouraged the deceased, used threats or otherwise influenced her to commit the act,” the magistrate ruled.
On the charge of neglect to prevent a felony, the court found no proof that DJ Brownskin had prior knowledge of his wife’s intention to harm herself.
Testimony from family members showed that the substance consumed had been purchased earlier for household use and was kept openly in the home.
The court also dismissed the allegation of destroying evidence, noting that none of the seven prosecution witnesses linked the DJ to the alleged removal of his mobile phone.
The investigating officer was not called to testify, leading the court to infer that the missing evidence would not have supported the prosecution’s case.
Magistrate Nyanguthi further addressed a widely circulated video that surfaced online months after the incident and influenced public opinion, ultimately leading to the DJ’s arrest.
She noted that the recording was never produced in court, adding that the defence suggested it may have been leaked during a family dispute over child custody.
Citing established legal precedent, the court ruled that any evidential gaps must be resolved in favour of the accused.
DJ Brownskin was arraigned in June 2023 following investigations into his wife’s death. With Thursday’s ruling, the case has now been formally closed.
