NAIROBI, Kenya — A high-profile murder trial involving a prominent United Democratic Alliance (UDA) official took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when the accused allegedly issued a death threat against a State Prosecutor during a court appearance.
Ebel Ochieng Kalo, a board member of the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) and a notable UDA official, is currently in custody in connection with the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were.
Kalo appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Milimani Law Courts. The prosecution informed the court that the suspect threatened to kill Allen Mulama, an officer with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), prompting the prosecutor to exit the courtroom.
“One of the accused persons, Ebel Ochieng, has threatened to kill the ODPP officer, Allan Mulama, forcing the state counsel to excuse himself from court,” the prosecution told the judge.
The entire courtroom, including Justice Kavedza, was reportedly left in shock following the accused person’s brazen remarks, which were made in response to the prosecutor opposing his release on bond.
In light of the severe threat, the judge ordered increased security within the courtroom. Delivering her ruling, Justice Diana Kavedza stated:
“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 further directed that all three accused individuals be remanded at Nairobi Remand Prison, with the third accused to remain in isolation until the completion of a mental assessment. The case is scheduled for mention on June 17, 2025 for further directions.
“This is deeply troubling. We intend to pursue this matter conclusively with the police. The court’s intervention is urgently needed,” the prosecution added.
Meanwhile, the High Court has ordered two additional suspects in the same murder case—Isaack Kuria and Allan Omondi Ogolla—to undergo mental assessment before they are formally charged with murder. This directive was issued by Justice Margaret Muigai during a separate virtual session.
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The court also instructed that Kuria and Ogolla be provided with legal representation and held at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. They are being detained separately as investigators continue to explore further prosecutorial avenues, including possible plea agreements.
Charles Were was tragically shot and killed on April 30, 2025, during evening traffic at the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road in Nairobi. According to police reports, a gunman dismounted from a motorcycle at a red light and opened fire on the MP at close range before fleeing with the rider.
Key suspects in the assassination include Were’s bodyguard, Allan Omondi, and his driver, Walter Owino, both of whom are accused of being part of a broader criminal syndicate believed to have orchestrated the killing.
