A dramatic twist unfolded in a high-profile murder trial on Wednesday when one of the suspects threatened to kill a State Prosecutor during a tense court session at the Milimani Law Courts.
Ebel Ochieng Kalo, a board member of the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) and a prominent official in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is among three suspects in custody over the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Were. The MP was shot dead on April 30 during evening traffic at the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road.
Kalo, appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza, reportedly directed a chilling threat at Allen Mulama, a prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), prompting Mulama to abruptly leave the courtroom. “One of the accused persons, Ebel Ochieng, has threatened to kill the ODPP officer, Allan Mulama, forcing the State Counsel to excuse himself from court,” the prosecution told the court.
The remark, reportedly uttered in Kiswahili, “huyu tutamuua” (“we will kill him”), sent shockwaves through the courtroom. In response, Justice Kavedza ordered heightened security measures and denied all three suspects bail, citing the seriousness of the threat.
“The mere utterance of such words against a prosecutor raises grave concerns about the safety of witnesses. On these grounds, the accused are denied bond. The first accused shall be escorted to Mathari Hospital for a mental health assessment,” the judge ruled.
Justice Kavedza also directed that all three suspects be remanded at Nairobi Remand Prison, with one placed in isolation pending a psychiatric evaluation. The case will be mentioned again on June 17 for further directions.
In a related session, Justice Margaret Muigai ordered two other suspects in the case, Isaack Kuria and Allan Omondi Ogolla, to undergo mental assessments before their murder charges are formally laid. The court also ordered their detention at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison and directed that they be provided with legal representation.
The late MP’s driver, Walter Owino, and bodyguard, Omondi, are believed to be part of a broader criminal network allegedly behind the assassination. Investigators are exploring possible plea deals and wider conspiracies as the probe intensifies.
“This is deeply troubling. We intend to pursue this matter conclusively with the police,” said a prosecution spokesperson, underscoring the heightened security concerns surrounding the case.
Written By Rodney Mbua
