NAIROBI — An attempt by four suspects linked to the killing of opposition MP Charles Ong’ondo Were to halt proceedings at the JKIA Law Courts has been rejected, dealing them a legal blow as police continue to press for extended detention.
Principal Magistrate Irene Gichohi on Thursday dismissed an application by the accused—among them the late MP’s driver, bodyguard, and a neighbour—who argued the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. They had claimed the alleged crime took place within either the Milimani or Kibra court areas and should therefore be transferred there.
But Magistrate Gichohi said the suspects remain under active investigation and that there was no legal reason barring the JKIA court from hearing the matter at this stage.
“This court is not trying the accused; it has only been called upon to issue custodial orders,” she said in her ruling. “The application by the respondents lacks merit and the same is dismissed.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking to hold the suspects for 30 more days to finalise inquiries into the murder of Mr Were, who was found dead under unclear circumstances last week.
Authorities have not released full details of the suspected motive but have said the investigation remains active and sensitive. A total of five individuals are already in custody, with police indicating they are pursuing at least five more suspects believed to be connected to the case.
The court is expected to issue a separate ruling on the DCI’s application for extended detention on Friday.
Mr Were, who represented Kasipul Constituency in western Kenya, was a vocal figure in the opposition and had recently raised concerns about threats to his safety, according to colleagues.
The high-profile case has drawn national attention, with growing calls for transparency and a thorough probe. Rights groups have urged investigators to avoid political interference and ensure due process for all involved.
As of Thursday, the suspects remain in remand pending the court’s final determination on how long they can legally be held during the ongoing investigations.
