By Muriithi Brenda
A dramatic twist unfolded at the Kibera High Court today in the ongoing murder trial of Kasepul MP Charles Ong'ondo, after one of the key suspects, Abel Ochieng, allegedly threatened to kill a state prosecutor during court proceedings.
Ochieng, who is charged alongside William Omoli and Edwin Ochieng in connection with the assassination of the MP on April 30th, reportedly made the threat while being escorted by police. According to a statement made in court by Officer Damian Mulongo, the suspect became agitated when Prosecutor Allen Mulama strongly opposed their release on bail.
“Ochieng demanded to know the name of the prosecutor and vowed to eliminate him,” Mulongo testified. “He said, ‘They will kill that man.’”
The revelation left the courtroom tense, with Prosecutor Mulama visibly shaken. Justice Diana Muchache, who was presiding over the bail application hearing, condemned the threats and ordered immediate action.
“These threats cannot be taken lightly. The prosecutor was clearly frightened out of court, and we must ensure the safety of all officers of the court,” Justice Muchache ruled.
In light of the threats, the court ordered that Abel Ochieng be placed in isolation at the Nairobi Remand Centre, while all three suspects undergo mental health evaluations. Their bail application has been deferred, and the case will be mentioned again on June 17th.
Meanwhile, in a separate court session presided over by Justice Margaret Muingai, two other suspects in the case—Isaac Kuria and the slain MP's bodyguard, Allan Omondi—also appeared. The two are now being held at Kamiti Maximum Prison amid reports they may be cooperating with investigators.
Sources close to the case revealed that Kuria and Omondi have expressed willingness to provide details about the plot that led to the MP’s killing, potentially opening up new leads for detectives.
The murder of MP Charles Ong'ondo has sent shockwaves through the political and security circles, and today's courtroom developments have added further urgency to a case that continues to grow in complexity and danger.
Authorities have since stepped up security for key legal personnel involved in the case, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is closely monitoring the situation.
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