The murder case of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has entered a new phase after his bodyguard, Allan Omondi Ogola, and another accused person, Isaac Kuria alias Kush, were formally added to a trial that already involves three other individuals.
Ogola and Kuria were initially charged separately at the Milimani Law Courts, but the cases have now been consolidated into a single file and transferred to the Kibera High Court.
They will stand trial alongside William Imoli alias Imo, Edwin Odhiambo alias Machuani, and Ebel Ochieng alias Dave Calo.
The five individuals now face joint murder charges in connection with the death of the MP in Nairobi earlier this year.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, all five pleaded not guilty before Justice Diana Kavedza.
Justice Kavedza noted that a ruling on bail for the first three accused, Imoli, Odhiambo, and Ochieng, will be delivered on August 14, despite the Judiciary's scheduled recess.
"We will be on recess, but the ruling on bail for the first three accused will still be delivered on August 14," she stated.
Meanwhile, Kuria and Ogola, now listed as the fourth and fifth accused respectively, will wait longer before their bail applications are considered.
The judge directed that pre-bail reports be prepared by a probation officer and submitted within 30 days.
Defence lawyers indicated that they would file their final bail arguments after the reports are presented.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, through State Counsel Gichuhi, opposed the release of Kuria and Ogola, having filed an affidavit on July 18 objecting to any bail terms.
To assist with court logistics, the judge approved the transfer of the two from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison to Nairobi Remand Prison and granted their request to be held in separate cells for coordination and safety reasons.
Justice Kavedza also directed that Kuria receive immediate medical attention after he reported feeling unwell during the session.
The matter will return to court on September 22, 2025, for a further mention regarding the bail process for the two newly added accused.
