Five men will be charged with the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were following the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) approval of the charges. The suspects are set to appear in court on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
The DPP confirmed that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the five for their alleged roles in the killing, which occurred on April 30, 2025, at approximately 7:40 pm near the City Mortuary Roundabout in Nairobi.
Three of the suspects — William Imoli (alias Imo), Edwin Oduor Odhiambo (alias Machuani), and Ebel Ochieng (alias Dave Calo) — will be arraigned at Kibera High Court. Notably, Calo is a director at the Lake Basin Development Authority in Kisumu.
The other two suspects — Allan Omondi Ogola, a police officer who was the MP’s bodyguard, and Isaac Kuria (alias Kush), believed to be the hitman — will appear before Milimani High Court.
Investigations revealed that the five, together with others not currently before the court, planned and executed the murder. Police have linked the killing to local political conflicts, describing it as a premeditated act involving several meetings held both within and outside Nairobi.
Initially, up to 12 people were arrested during the investigation. Five suspects were later released without charges due to lack of direct evidence. Among those released were the MP’s driver, Walter Awino Owino, and Dennis Sewe Manyasi, who are now state witnesses.
The two were freed by a JKIA court on Tuesday after the prosecution declared its intention to rely on their testimony in the case. Upon release, both joined their families in emotional prayers outside the courtroom. Authorities noted that their change in status as witnesses came with specific conditions.
According to investigators, one suspect admitted receiving an advance payment of KSh 850,000, partly in US dollars. Part of this money was recovered from the suspect’s home, lending credibility to the claim.
The murder has sparked outrage and tension in Homa Bay County, with local leaders and residents pointing to internal succession politics as a potential motive behind the killing.
