DRIVER TURNED WITNESS AS DPP APPROVES MURDER CHARGES

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against five suspects linked to the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. The accused are set to appear in court on Wednesday June 4, 2025, with hearings scheduled at the Kibera and Milimani High Courts. After reviewing the evidence, the DPP determined that the five individuals played a role in the MP’S murder.

 Three of the suspects William Imoli (alias Imo), Edwin Oduor Odhiambo (alias Machauni), and Ebel Ochieng (alias Dave Calo) will be arraigned at the Kibera High Court. The remaining two Allan Omondi Ogola (the MP’S bodyguard) and Isaac Kuria (alias Kush identified as the alleged hitman) will face charges at the Milimani High Court. Investigations reveal that the five along with others not yet charged, conspired to murder Were on April 30, 2025 around 7.40pm.

The attack occurred at the City Mortuary Roundabout along Valley Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani Sub county. Meanwhile two other suspects Dennis Sewe Manyasi and Walter Awino (the MP’S driver) were released by the JKIA Magistrate’s Court after prosecutors designated them as state witnesses. Emotional scenes unfolded outside the court as the freed men prayed with their families. Their releases came with specific conditions to ensure their cooperation in the case.

 Authorities say the murder was premeditated, with planning meetings held both inside and outside Nairobi, and is believed to stem from local political tensions. Initially 12 suspects were arrested but five were later released unconditionally due to insufficient evidence.  One suspect reportedly confessed to receiving a partial payment of Sh850,000 for the crime, a claim supported by the recovery of some of the money in U.S. dollars at his home. The murder has stirred controversy in Homa Bay, with ties to succession politics emerging as a possible motive.