The High Court has denied bail to three suspects implicated in the brutal killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, pending their plea and mental health evaluations.
Presiding over the case at the Kibera High Court, Justice Diana Kavedza declined to grant bond, citing serious threats allegedly made by one of the accused, Ebel Ochieng, against Prosecutor Allan Mulama.
“I am deeply disturbed by the threats directed at the prosecutor,” said Justice Kavedza. “I am frightened by the words spoken. Given this troubling development, bail is denied at this stage.”
The court ordered that all three suspects undergo mental assessments at Mathare Hospital. In the meantime, they will be held in remand, with Ebel Ochieng to be kept in isolation. The evaluations are expected to take two weeks, and the case will be mentioned again on June 17, 2025.
The ruling followed concerns raised by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi, who informed the court of specific threats made by Ochieng. According to police testimony, Ochieng also known as Dave Colo allegedly said, “Who is this person who doesn’t want us released? We will kill him,” referring to the prosecution counsel.
The three suspects William Imoli alias Imo, Edwin Oduor Odhiambo alias Machuani, and Ebel Ochieng alias Dave Colo are among five individuals charged in connection with the killing of MP Were.
The two other suspects, Allan Omondi Ogola, the MP’s bodyguard, and Isaac Kuria alias Kush, believed to be the gunman, appeared separately before the Milimani High Court. They did not take a plea, as the court directed mental evaluations be conducted and that both be assigned pro bono legal representation.
