Suspect In MP Charles Were Murder Threatens To Kill In Court

Drama emerged on Wednesday, June 4, during the proceedings of the case involving the murder of former Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were, when one of the suspects threatened to kill a prosecutor in court.

As reported by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), the suspect, Ebel Ochieng, also Known as Dave Calo, reached out to the court orderly officer and inquired who the prosecutor was.

It was after this that Calo threatened to kill him for opposing them being granted bail. For the record, the presiding judge asked the officer to quote what the suspect stated.

An arraignment of suspects in the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were. /FILE

"The suspect said 'huyu ni nani hataki tuachiliwe (who is this that does not want us to be released)'. We told him that it was the prosecutor. Then he said 'huyo tutamuua (we will kill that one)," Police Constable Damian Mlongo disclosed.

They also asked the officer to point out the suspect he was talking about, and he identified the one wearing a white shirt.

After the incident, the judge denied bail for the suspects and ordered a medical evaluation for the one who made the threat. She also said the court had a responsibility to protect the witnesses involved in the case.

"I take note that the accused person has threatened to kill the prosecutor. The mere utterance of the words ‘huyu tutamuua’ - the question is, what about the witnesses? Justice Diana Kavedza ruled, adding, "On these grounds, the three are denied bond/bail. The first accused is to be escorted to Mathari Hospital for assessment.”

Following the incident, the judge ordered increased courtroom security moving forward. Since the suspects haven’t entered a plea yet, they will remain in custody while the court continues to track the case. The next mention is scheduled for June 17, 2025.

In a related development, the High Court directed that two more suspects tied to the same murder case undergo mental evaluations before facing formal murder charges. Justice Margaret Muigai issued the order during a separate virtual hearing.

The court also directed that the two suspects be assigned legal counsel and held at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. They are being kept in separate custody as investigators pursue additional legal options, including potential plea deals.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 30, when Ong’ondo was gunned down in what investigations have since suspected to be a premeditated attack.

Police and eyewitness accounts have since indicated that the MP's vehicle came under fire near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road.