Milimani Magistrate’s Court has acquitted Michael Njiiri, popularly known as DJ Brownskin, of all charges related to the 2022 death of his wife, Sharon Njeri.

On Thursday, Magistrate Caroline Nyanguthi brought an end to the high-profile case, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case, meaning the evidence was insufficient to even require the entertainer to enter a defense.

The case, which had been under intense public scrutiny since a viral video surfaced appearing to show the DJ recording his wife as she ingested poison, saw Brownskin facing three serious counts: aiding suicide, neglect to prevent a felony, and destroying evidence.

However, the court found that the “legal threshold” for these charges remained unmet.

In her delivery, Magistrate Nyanguthi noted that while the death was a “profound tragedy” for both families, the court’s mandate was to apply the law with sobriety and compassion, rather than assign moral blame.

The prosecution’s narrative, that Brownskin intentionally encouraged or contributed to the act—collapsed under the weight of witness testimony.

A househelp and the couple’s daughter, the only two witnesses present, testified that the couple was intoxicated and arguing shortly before the incident occurred.

Crucially, the court heard that once Brownskin realized the severity of the situation, he did not remain a passive observer; he attempted to administer milk as an antidote and sought help from neighbors before rushing her to the hospital.

“There was no evidence that the accused supplied any instrument, issued instructions, encouraged the deceased, or influenced her to commit the act,” the magistrate ruled.

By acquitting Brownskin under Section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court has sent a clear signal: while a video may capture a moment of shocking domestic despair, it does not always capture the specific criminal intent required for a conviction.