MP Were murder case: LBDA Director Ebel Ochieng among suspects detained for 23 days

The JKIA Law Courts has ordered two suspects, including Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Director Ebel Ochieng, to be detained for 23 days as investigations continue into the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.

Ochieng and Edwin Oduor, the suspect linked to the murder weapon, had earlier submitted a preliminary application seeking the recusal of Chief Magistrate Irene Gichobi alleging bias bias in her conduct.

They were first arraigned last week Thursday at the JKIA Law Courts alongside three others following their arrest on Wednesday in separate locations.

However, the State failed to present its application against the two —Ochieng and Oduor — after the pair filed the said preliminary application.

This came after the Magistrate dismissed an earlier bid by the duo challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction and seeking the transfer of the case to the Kibera Law Courts or another court with proper jurisdiction.

Magistrate Gichobi rejected the recusal application as well, paving the way for the State to proceed with its request for custodial orders.

“The application by the first and second respondents that I recuse myself lacks merit and is hereby dismissed,” ruled the Magistrate.

Prosecutors had sought to detain the suspects for 30 days, arguing that they played a central role in the planning and execution of the legislator’s murder.

Ochieng is believed to have facilitated the planning meetings while Oduor is linked to the murder weapon.

The court instead granted a 23-day custodial period to allow investigators more time to finalize their probe.

Meanwhile, a mention is set for Wednesday at the Makadara Law Courts in a case filed by Ochieng at the High Court.

He is seeking to overturn the May 9 ruling that dismissed his jurisdictional objection, and is asking for orders transferring the case to the Kibera Law Courts or another court with appropriate jurisdiction.

Ochieng has termed his presentation at the JKIA Law Courts a clear case of forum shopping.