A court hearing in the high-profile murder case of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, May 4, 2025, when one of the suspects issued a death threat against a state prosecutor.
The incident, which unfolded at the Kibera High Court, sent a chilling message through the courtroom and led to a swift denial of bail for the accused.
The suspect, Ebel Ochieng, also known as Dave Calo, was among three individuals arraigned before Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza in connection with the legislator’s killing.
The threat occurred after the court had temporarily adjourned to prepare a ruling on the suspects’ bail application.
According to Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi, a police constable, Demian Mulongo, witnessed Ochieng making the ominous remark.
When proceedings resumed, Prosecutor Gichuhi immediately brought the matter to the court’s attention, emphasizing the gravity of the threat made against her colleague, lawyer Allen Mulama.
Constable Mulongo, under oath, recounted the exchange.
He stated that immediately after the adjournment, Ochieng inquired about the identity of “the slender gentleman who was submitting to the court.”
When told it was a prosecutor, Ochieng allegedly responded in Swahili, “huyo tutamuua” – which translates to “that one, we will kill him.”
The constable then pointed directly to Ochieng, confirming him as the individual who issued the threat.
Prosecutor Gichuhi, visibly shaken by the confirmed threat, urged the court to deny bail or bond for all the accused, stressing that such threats “could not be taken lightly.”
She also requested enhanced security for the prosecution team, asserting their commitment to professional and fair legal proceedings.
Lawyer Allen Mulama left the court premises immediately after learning of the threat.
In her ruling, Justice Kavedza acknowledged the seriousness of Ochieng’s words, stating that they were “frightening to the judicial officers.”
To ensure the safety of those involved in the judicial process, she promptly denied bail for all three suspects.
Furthermore, Justice Kavedza directed that the three accused be remanded at Nairobi Remand, pending mental assessment at Mathari Hospital. Significantly, she ordered that Ochieng be isolated from the other two suspects. The case is scheduled for mention on June 17, 2025, for further directions.
The incident underscores the intense and often dangerous environment surrounding high-stakes criminal trials in Kenya, particularly those involving public figures. The alleged threat by a murder suspect against a prosecutor highlights the inherent risks faced by those involved in the justice system and the lengths to which some accused individuals may go to intimidate or obstruct legal proceedings.
