My Teeth, Wrist Hurt- Man Suspected Of Killing Ida Odinga's Bodyguard

Collins Okundi, who was arrested on Sunday, October 16 after he was suspected of killing Ida Odinga's bodyguard, Barack Oduor, on Friday, October 14, has been detained for 14 days.

Okundi was arraigned before a Kisumu Magistrates court on Monday, October 17 but did not take a plea. This is after the prosecution in the case requested more time to complete investigations and record statements from a witness who was at the scene of the crime.

While appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Stela Telewa, the suspect did not provide any objection to the application by the prosecution to be detained for 14 days, adding that he had a problem with his teeth and wrist.

Collins Okundi while in court. /K24 DIGITAL

He revealed that he was unwell and requested the court to allow him to seek medical treatment in hospital.

"I have a problem with my teeth and right wrist too. I would like to be taken to hospital for treatment," he told the court. However, he did not disclose how he sustained the injuries.

The court allowed his request to be taken for a medical checkup, directing him to see a dentist and a doctor for treatment. He is expected back in court on October 31, 2022, when the case will be mentioned.

The prosecutor, John Oyimbo, had noted that Okundi was arrested in Eldoret after being on the run for almost three days. According to him, Okundi was driven to Kisumu by police on Monday morning and that the Kisumu Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) which was handling the case did not have a chance to conduct any investigations.

Another reason to have Okundi detained was that he was a flight risk. The prosecutor added that the suspect was the bodyguard of Ida, whose wife is Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, thus the respondent's life is at risk and his security may not be guaranteed if released.

"Statement of the witness at the scene have not been recorded. The individual who was at the scene who was shot was flown to Aga Khan in Nairobi for specialized treatment," he said.

"We ask the court to grant us the 14 days to enable the DCI conclusively investigate the matter to allow the respondent to be charged accordingly".

ODPP Mina Opiyo warned that the release of the respondent would jeopardize the investigation.

An initial police report by Marilyn Marion Ouma a resident of Victoria Gardens Estate revealed that she left a bar in the company of her friend and the deceased officer before Okundi cornered them during a scuffle.

In the process, Okundi disarmed the police officer and fatally shot him twice in the head and leg. The other man was shot in the leg and was rushed to Aga khan Hospital Kisumu.