Five Suspects in Ong’ondo Were’s Murder Remain in Custody for Mental Assessment
Five suspects in the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were remain in custody for mandatory mental health evaluations before court proceedings. Photo/PulseLive Kenya.
By Juliet Jerotich
Five individuals suspected to be involved in the killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were will continue being held in custody as they undergo mandatory mental health evaluations before entering their pleas in court.
Two of the suspects—Isaac Kuria and Allan Omondi Ogolla, the late MP’s personal bodyguard—appeared virtually before Justice Margaret Muigai at the Milimani Law Courts. The judge ordered that both undergo psychiatric assessment to determine their mental fitness to stand trial.
In addition, she directed that the two suspects be assigned legal representation, either by private arrangement or through government-funded legal aid.
Their matter is scheduled for mention on June 18, by which time the mental evaluation reports and confirmation of legal representation are expected to be ready.
Meanwhile, at the Kibera Law Courts, three additional suspects—William Imoli Shigali (alias Imo), Edwin Oduor Odhiambo (alias Muchuani), and Ebel Ochieng (alias Dave Colo)—were also arraigned but did not take plea.
Presiding judge Justice Diana Kavedza ordered that the trio be remanded at Nairobi Remand Prison for 14 days, during which mental assessments will be conducted.Their case will be mentioned on June 17.
These proceedings come in the wake of the tragic murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, an incident that has stirred national concern and prompted a high-level investigation.
Authorities have yet to disclose the full details surrounding the murder or how the suspects are believed to be connected to the crime.
However, the decision to delay plea-taking reflects the legal requirement that all accused persons must be proven mentally competent before trial. This ensures a fair judicial process, in line with Kenya’s legal standards and constitutional protections.
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