The wheels of justice are picking up speed in the high-profile murder case of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. Judge Diana Kavedza of the Kibera High Court has signaled her intention to conclude the case within four months, bringing hope for closure to a case that has gripped Kenya since the MP’s tragic death on April 30, 2025.
Case Progress Accelerates with Strategic Timeline
The announcement comes at a crucial juncture in the Ong’ondo Were murder proceedings. With three suspects having recently pleaded not guilty to murder charges on June 17, 2025, the case is gaining momentum. Judge Kavedza’s four-month timeline demonstrates the court’s commitment to delivering swift justice while ensuring due process.
The prosecution has prepared an impressive lineup of 35 witnesses, indicating the comprehensive nature of their case against the accused. This substantial witness list suggests investigators have gathered extensive evidence since the MP’s killing near City Mortuary in Nairobi.
Key Suspects and Court Developments
The case has seen significant developments in recent weeks. Three primary suspects—William Imoli Imo Shigali, Douglas Muchiri Wambugu, and David Mihigo Kagame—entered their not guilty pleas before Judge Kavedza. Notably, police officer Juma Ali Hikal was also among those initially charged in connection with the Ong’ondo Were murder.
The proceedings haven’t been without drama. Court records reveal that one suspect allegedly threatened state counsel, leading to enhanced security measures and the suspect being held in isolation at Nairobi Remand Prison. This incident underscores the sensitive nature of the case and the challenges facing the prosecution team.
Streamlined Investigation Focus
What makes this case particularly noteworthy is how investigators have refined their focus. Originally, 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. However, several have since been released due to lack of evidence, including the MP’s driver Dennis Sewe Manyasi and Walter Owino Awino, who are now expected to serve as state witnesses.
This winnowing process demonstrates the thoroughness of the investigation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. By releasing suspects without sufficient evidence against them, authorities have strengthened their case against the remaining accused persons.
The Road Ahead: July Mention Date
The next significant milestone in the Ong’ondo Were case will be the mention date set for July 17, 2025. This hearing will provide further direction on how the trial will proceed within Judge Kavedza’s ambitious four-month timeline.
The judge’s confidence in meeting this deadline suggests that both the prosecution and defense teams are prepared to move forward expeditiously. With 35 witnesses ready to testify and evidence compiled over the past two months, the stage is set for what promises to be a comprehensive trial.
Political Implications and Public Interest
The murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape. As a sitting member of parliament representing Kasipul constituency, his death raised serious questions about the security of elected officials. The case has maintained high public interest, with Kenyans closely following each development.
Police investigations revealed that the MP’s murder was a targeted killing, adding another layer of complexity to the case. This finding has kept security agencies on high alert while investigators work to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the assassination.
Conclusion: Justice Within Reach
Judge Diana Kavedza’s four-month timeline for concluding the Ong’ondo Were murder case represents more than just judicial efficiency—it signals the court’s recognition of the case’s national importance. With a robust prosecution case supported by 35 witnesses and streamlined charges against the key suspects, the path to justice appears clearer than ever.
As Kenya awaits the outcome of this landmark case, the proceedings serve as a test of the country’s judicial system’s ability to handle high-profile political murders with both speed and accuracy. The next four months will be crucial in determining whether justice will finally be served for the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
