Ong'ondo Were murder case: Suspects denied bail after allegedly threatening prosecutor

A fresh twist has unfolded in the murder case of slain Kasipul MP George Ong'odo Were after the third accused, Calo Ochieng, was accused of threatening the state prosecutor in court.

According to a testimony by a witness police officer, the suspect allegedly uttered the remarks “Huyu ni nani mwenye hataki tuachiliwe. Huyu tutamuua” (Who is this person who doesn't want us to be released? We shall kill him)

The remarks were allegedly uttered moments after Justice Diana Kavedza was about to deliver a bail ruling on the suspects.

"I therefore believe that the third accused indeed uttered the words "Huyu tutamuua." The mere utterance of the words has frightened the prosecutor of this court, the question now is, what about the witnesses? It is on that ground alone that the three of you will be denied bail," Justice Diana ruled.

The judge further ruled that the suspect would be held separately at Nairobi Remand Prison and would not share a cell with any other detainee, pending a report to the court confirming his mental fitness.

The prosecution condemned the incident, describing it as a serious affront to court staff safety and the judicial process.

The defence counsel, on their part, suggested that heightened emotions may have sparked the alleged threat and requested time to examine the allegations.

The case will return for directions on June 17.