Three suspects connected to the brutal murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were returned to the Kibera Law Courts on Tuesday as the court reconvened to issue further directions in the high-profile case. The trio Lake Basin Development Authority officer Ebel Ochieng, also known as Dave Calo, William Shigali, and Edwin Odhiambo had first been arraigned on June 5 but did not take a plea at the time due to a pending mandatory mental assessment.
So far, five individuals have been charged in connection with the murder. According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), all five are believed to have conspired and carried out the killing of the legislator on the evening of April 30, 2025. The attack occurred at around 7:40 p.m. near the City Mortuary Roundabout along Valley Road, within Nairobi’s Kilimani Sub-County.
Investigations indicate that the killing was premeditated, with the DPP now approving murder charges against all five suspects. While the motive behind the attack remains under investigation, authorities have hinted at the possibility of political and financial disputes playing a role.
The three suspects who were in court this week have now been in custody for 50 days. Their legal teams are pushing for their release on bail, citing the prolonged detention and pending trial. However, the prosecution is expected to oppose the bail application, arguing that the seriousness of the offense, coupled with the potential for witness interference, warrants continued detention.
The murder of MP Charles Were shocked the nation and triggered widespread calls for justice, especially given the audacity of the crime committed in a well-known and busy part of the city. A respected lawmaker, Were had been serving his second term in Parliament and was known for his focus on youth empowerment and development initiatives in Kasipul constituency.
The court is expected to set a new date for plea taking and hear arguments on the bail applications in the coming days as the case continues to unfold. The developments are being closely watched by the public and political leaders alike.
