The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Tuesday commenced the prosecution of five suspects accused of plotting the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo Were, describing the killing as a calculated plot driven by greed, betrayal and conspiracy.

The prosecution, in an opening statement delivered by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Gikui Gichuhi before the Kibera Law Court Judge Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, informed the court that it would lay a bare narrative of treachery, greed and conspiracy that led to the cold murder of the MP.

Gichuhi stated that the murder was meticulously planned and executed by individuals who had infiltrated the MP’s inner circle, including a trusted bodyguard who is said to have collaborated with the hired killers to carry out the plot.

“The prosecution will present credible and cogent evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the five accused persons before you jointly planned and orchestrated this heinous act”, Gichuhi told the court.

The DPP further revealed that the investigators had assembled a comprehensive chain of testimonial, documentary and forensic evidence to demonstrate that the accused persons and no one else are responsible for Were’s murder.

According to the prosecution, the third accused person allegedly bankrolled the operation, giving instructions and funding to eliminate the MP.

“The evidence will show that he wanted the deceased eliminated to bury his secrets and, rather than pulling the trigger himself, provided orders and funding to satisfy his evil desire”, said Gichuhi.

The court heard that the first accused person was the mastermind behind the plot, the second supplied the murder weapon and attempted to conceal the crime, the fourth accused person pulled the trigger for financial gain, while the fifth abused his trust position to deliver the legislator into the hands of his killers.

“My Lady, before this court today, we speak for a life that was brutally and unlawfully taken away”, the prosecution stated, noting that Were, apart from being a Legislator, he was a father, husband and a leader entrusted with the hopes of his people.

The accused persons, William Imoli alias Imo, Edwin Oduor Odhiambo alias Machuani, Ebel Ochieng’ alias Dave Calo, Isaac Kuria, and Allan Ogolla, are charged with murdering Were on April 30, 2025, at around 7:40pm.

The prosecution team was led by Mr. Vincent Monda, Gikui Gichuhi, Peris Maina and Christine Timoi.