REE DENY KILLING KASIPUL MP WERE, DETAINED FOR 30 DAYS

hree suspects charged with the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'odo Were have pleaded not guilty and will remain in custody for 30 days.

The accused, William Imoli Shigali alias Imo, Edwin Oduor Odhiambo alias Machuani, and Ebel Ochieng alias Dave Colo, appeared before the High Court after being declared mentally fit to stand trial.

According to prosecutors, the third accused, Dave Colo, fled to Nakuru and switched off his phones shortly after the MP’s murder. He was later arrested in a guest house in the town.

The second accused, Machuani, was found with a firearm allegedly linked not only to the killing of MP Were but also to separate crimes reported in Kiambu and Nairobi's Kayole area. The firearm is believed to be involved in incidents logged under OB 79/17/02/2025 and DCI Kayole file number 135/13/2025.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing the murder charge punishable by death if convicted gives the suspects a strong motive to flee. The court was told that releasing them could also jeopardize ongoing investigations.

However, defense lawyers insisted the accused are not flight risks and would not interfere with witnesses. They applied for their release on bail, pending trial.

Justice Kavenza ordered that a probation officer prepare a report on whether the accused pose a flight risk. Meanwhile, the trio will be held in remand for 30 days as the case proceeds.