High Court orders mental assessment for two suspects in MP Were murder

The High Court has directed two suspects in the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were to undergo mental assessment.

The two are expected to be charged with murder. This is after the state concluded investigations into the case.

Isaack Kuria and Allan Omondi Ogolla appeared in court virtually on Wednesday, where Justice Margaret Muigai directed that they be given legal representation.

She directed that the duo be held at Kamiti Prison.

The court heard that the suspects are being held separately and will be presented in court as they pursue other investigative and prosecutorial measures including plea bargaining.

The matter will be mentioned on June 18 for further directions.

Were was shot dead on April 30 in the Nairobi evening traffic at the City mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road by a gunman whose accomplice was riding a motorbike. 

The gunman alighted from the motorbike at a red light and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene with the getaway rider.

Omondi was Were's bodyguard and alongside the slain MP’s driver Walter Owino, they are accused of being part of the criminal syndicate behind the murder plot. 

Others include businessman and politician Phillip Aroko and Lake Basin Development Authority Director Ebel Ochieng, both alleged to be financiers of the operation.