Three men have officially been charged with the brutal murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’odo Were, launching what is expected to be a closely watched high-profile trial.
The accused, William Imoli Shigali, also known as Imo; Edwin Oduor Odhiambo, alias Machuani; and Ebel Ochieng, alias Dave Colo, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Their plea followed confirmation that all three had undergone mental evaluations and were declared fit to stand trial. The court had earlier directed the accused to be assessed before formally responding to the charges. A report submitted by medical professionals cleared them, paving the way for proceedings to begin.
During the hearing, the prosecution urged the court to deny the suspects bail, arguing that they pose a significant flight risk and could endanger witnesses.
Lead prosecutor Evelyn Onuga painted a picture of a well-planned execution, stating that the trio acted in concert to orchestrate the killing. She further disclosed that detectives recovered the murder weapon from the second suspect’s home – a critical piece of evidence linking him to the crime.
Investigators have also seized mobile phones and other communication devices believed to have been used to coordinate the murder. According to Onuga, these items will play a central role in proving premeditation.
“The manner in which the deceased was murdered sends chills down the spine,” Onuga told the court.
She also revealed that several witnesses have been placed under the Witness Protection Agency due to genuine fears for their safety. Prosecutors cited the risks involved should the suspects be released while the case is still under investigation.
Prosecutor Evelyn Anuda added to the gravity of the situation, citing a recent incident on June 4, when the third accused allegedly threatened a prosecutor in open court.
“If the third accused can openly threaten a prosecutor, what about the witnesses?” Anuda posed.
The court also heard that after the murder, the third accused switched off his phones and fled to Nakuru. Police later found and arrested him at a guest house, where he had been hiding.
Further deepening the case, prosecutors linked a firearm found in the second accused’s residence to not only the MP’s killing but also other violent crimes in Kiambu and Kayole. Investigators are actively pursuing connections to additional criminal reports, including cases filed under OB 79/17/02/2025 at Kayole Police Station and DCI Kayole file number 135/13/2025.
Given the severity of the charges, which are punishable by death, the prosecution maintained that the suspects have a strong motive to escape trial if granted bail.
Meanwhile, the defense team filed a bail application, arguing that the three men are not a flight risk and will not interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.
In response, High Court Judge Kavenza instructed a probation officer to compile a detailed report evaluating whether the accused are likely to flee if released. She denied the suspects bail and scheduled the next mention for July 17, 2025,
The suspect will remain in custody for 30 days pending further court directions.
