Five suspects linked to the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were will remain in custody pending mental assessments before they can take plea, courts in Nairobi have ruled.
At the Milimani Law Courts, Justice Margaret Muigai presided over a virtual session where two of the suspects, Isaac Kuria and the slain MP’s bodyguard, Allan Omondi Ogolla, appeared before her. The Judge ordered both to undergo mental evaluations and directed that they be assigned legal counsel, either privately or through state provision. Their case is scheduled for mention on June 18.
In a separate proceeding at the Kibera Law Courts, three other suspects, William Imoli Shigali, also known as Imo; Edwin Oduor Odhiambo, alias Muchuani; and Ebel Ochieng, alias Dave Colo, were also arraigned but did not take plea. Justice Diana Kavedza ordered that they be detained at Nairobi Remand Prison for 14 days to facilitate mental assessments. Their case will be mentioned on June 17.
The suspects are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the assassination of MP Were, whose killing has shocked the nation and drawn widespread calls for swift justice. Authorities have yet to disclose the full details of the motive behind the murder, but investigations are ongoing.
Written By Rodney Mbua
