NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 9 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) says he is ready to present a detailed account of treachery, greed, and conspiracy leading to the murder of slain Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were.
In an opening statement at Kibera High Court before Judge Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, Senior Assistant DPP Gikui Gichuhi described the killing as a meticulously planned act executed by a friend-turned-foe.
The court heard that a bodyguard entrusted with the MP’s safety allegedly succumbed to greed and colluded with others to orchestrate the murder, reportedly using hired personnel to carry out the act.
“The prosecution will present credible and cogent evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the five accused persons jointly planned and executed this heinous act,” said Gichuhi.
Investigators have reportedly assembled a comprehensive body of testimonial, documentary, and forensic evidence, pinpointing the accused as solely responsible for Were’s death.
The prosecution also outlined the specific roles of each suspect with the first accused being the mastermind behind the planning of the fateful day, the second accused allegedly supplied the murder weapon and assisted in concealing the crime.
According to the prosecution, the third accused was the orchestrator who provided orders and funding to eliminate the deceased while the fourth accused allegedly pulling the trigger for financial gain and the fifth accused abused a position of trust to deliver the MP to his killers.
Gichuhi emphasized the personal and public loss, describing Were as an honourable MP, a father, and a husband whose life was brutally cut short.
The DPP has charged William Imoli (alias Imo), Edwin Odour Odhiambo (alias Machuani), Ebel Ochieng (alias Dave Calo), Isaac Kuria, and Allan Ogola with the murder, which allegedly occurred on April 30, 2025, around 7:40 p.m.
The prosecution team is led by Vincent Monda, Gikui Gichuhi, Peris Maina, and Christine Timoi, and the case is expected to navigate complex evidence as the court proceedings continue.