Tensions ran high during the murder trial of former Kasipul MP Charles Were when a key suspect threatened to kill a prosecutor right inside the courtroom. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) revealed that the chilling threat occurred during a court recess, just as the judge was about to give directions on how the case would proceed.
While the courtroom was on break, Ebel Ochieng Kalo, a Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) board member, issued the deadly threat after being angered by the prosecutor’s opposition to his bail application.
The prosecution confirmed, “One of the accused persons has threatened to kill the ODPP officer, forcing the state counsel to excuse himself from court.”
Ebel, alias Dave, allegedly said he would kill the prosecutor identified as Allan Mulama.
Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza Mochache didn’t take the threat lightly. She strongly condemned the suspect’s behavior and immediately ordered all three suspects to be remanded at Nairobi Industrial Remand Prison. Moreover, she directed that one suspect undergo a mental health assessment and be isolated pending the results.
“I take note that the accused person has threatened to kill the prosecutor. The mere utterance of the words ‘huyu tutamuua’ – the question is, what about the witnesses? On these grounds, the three are denied bond/bail. The first accused is to be escorted to Mathari Hospital for assessment,” the judge said.
Justice Mochache also ordered increased courtroom security moving forward.
Since the suspects have not yet entered pleas, the court will keep them in custody with the next hearing set for June 17.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the High Court ordered two additional suspects linked to the murder to undergo mental health assessments before facing formal charges.
Justice Margaret Muigai made this decision during a virtual session, directing that they be granted legal representation and held separately at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.
Investigators continue to explore all prosecutorial options, including possible plea deals, as they build their case.
