The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) is seeking to detain four suspects linked to the murder of Dickson Otieno Ombaka, the stage manager of Obamana Links Limited. Ombaka was fatally stabbed on August 2, 2025, during a reported altercation involving rival stage operators.
Appearing before the Milimani Principal Magistrate, the prosecution requested the suspects be held at Kamukunji Police Station for 21 days to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete its probe. The four suspects Oloo Ogumbo, Duncan Ochola, Vitalis Owino, and Ochieng Ojwang are accused of attacking and killing Ombaka at the Obamana stage located at the Temple Road–Uyoma Street junction in Nairobi.
According to the investigating officer, Police Constable Pwoka Mauka, the fatal incident stemmed from ongoing disputes between rival Public Service Vehicle (PSV) groups over passenger pick-up and drop-off points. These disputes have reportedly escalated in recent months, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities, raising serious public safety concerns within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The officer noted that Ombaka and the suspects worked at stages directly adjacent to each other. The rising tension between Obamana Sacco and Obamana Links Limited is believed to be a contributing factor. The two groups were previously part of the same Sacco before a faction split off and rebranded, leading to territorial disputes.
The prosecution emphasized the need to detain the suspects, citing risks of witness interference, flight, and the likelihood of them hampering the arrest of other suspects still at large. The prosecution also revealed plans to conduct an identification parade and mental health assessments at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Opposing the detention request, the defense argued that the suspects are family men and sole providers for their households. However, the court heard that they lack fixed addresses, making them potential flight risks.
A report from the deceased’s brother, Omondi Ombaka, confirmed that he received a call from a stage attendant about the stabbing and found his brother dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The court ordered the suspects be held until August 8, 2025, when a ruling on the detention request will be delivered.
