Tension gripped a Nairobi courtroom on Wednesday after one of the prime suspects in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were openly threatened a state prosecutor during a bail hearing.
The dramatic outburst occurred just before Justice Diana Kavedza was set to deliver a ruling on whether the three accused would be granted bail.
The third accused, identified as Calo Ochieng, stood up and shouted in Kiswahili: “Huyu ni nani mwenye hataki tuachiliwe. Huyu tutamuua!” — loosely translated as, “Who is this person who doesn’t want us to be released? We shall kill him!”
The remarks sent shockwaves through the courtroom and prompted immediate intervention by police officers and court orderlies. Prosecutor Dave Mwangi, appearing visibly shaken, urged the court to take urgent measures.
“This is not just contempt of court — it’s outright intimidation,” Mwangi said. “If I can be threatened in a courtroom, what message does that send to witnesses who are still to testify?”
Late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were speaks during a past function
In her ruling, Justice Kavedza cited the outburst as a serious concern for the safety of court staff and potential witnesses.
“I therefore believe that the third accused did indeed utter the words ‘Huyu tutamuua.’ The mere utterance of those words has frightened the prosecutor. The question now is, what about the witnesses?” she said.
On those grounds, the judge denied all three suspects bail. She also directed that Ochieng be held in solitary confinement at Nairobi Remand Prison, pending a mental health assessment to determine his fitness to stand trial.
The prosecution welcomed the ruling, calling it necessary to protect the integrity of the trial. The defense, however, argued that emotions may have been high and requested time to address the allegations in full.
The case has been adjourned and is expected to return for further directions on June 17.
