The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally opened its case against five individuals charged with the murder of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, before the High Court in Kibera.
Appearing before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, the prosecution outlined the basis of its case, stating that investigations had established that the killing of the legislator was the result of a coordinated plan involving multiple suspects with distinct roles.
In an opening statement, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi told the court that the prosecution would rely on testimonial, documentary and forensic evidence to link the accused persons to the murder, which occurred on the night of April 30, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the late MP was shot dead at around 7:40 p.m., following events that investigators believe were planned in advance. The court was informed that one of the accused persons was a bodyguard assigned to protect the MP and is alleged to have abused that position by facilitating access to the attackers.
Prosecutors told the court that the evidence would show that the accused persons acted jointly, with each suspect allegedly playing a specific role in the commission of the offence. One of the accused is said to have provided direction and financial support for the plot, while another is accused of coordinating the events leading up to the killing.
A third suspect allegedly supplied the firearm used, while another is accused of carrying out the shooting. The fifth accused person is alleged to have exploited a position of trust to expose the MP to danger.
The DPP maintained that the actions of the accused were deliberate and driven by personal motives, which investigators believe led to the decision to eliminate the legislator.
Those charged in the case are William Imoli alias Imo, Edwin Odour Odhiambo alias Machuani, Ebel Ochieng alias Dave Calo, Isaac Kuria, and Allan Ogola. All have been charged with the offence of murder and have denied the allegations.
The prosecution team comprises Vincent Monda, Gikui Gichuhi, Peris Maina and Christine Timoi. The court is expected to proceed with the hearing, during which witnesses will be called and evidence presented.
