NAIROBI, Kenya — The murder trial of former Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were continued before the High Court in Kibera on Thursday, with the late legislator’s widow and son taking the stand as the prosecution advanced its case.
The proceedings were heard before Justice Diana Kavedza, where the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) also successfully applied to recall a protected witness for the limited purpose of identifying a motorcycle allegedly used during the commission of the offence.
Widow Identifies Two Accused
During her testimony, Ong’ondo Were’s widow told the court that she knew two of the five accused persons facing murder charges.
She testified that one of the accused was her neighbour, although they had never interacted, while another had previously served as her husband’s bodyguard.
Son Reveals Alleged Threat Before Killing
The couple’s son, Boyd Were, testified that he had informed his father of an alleged plot to assassinate him before the fatal attack.
According to Boyd, the information prompted the former legislator to change vehicles on the day he was killed.
He also confirmed that he knew the same two accused persons identified by his mother during her testimony.
Court Allows Recall of Protected Witness
The prosecution team, led by Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, alongside Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Wangui Gikui and Principal Prosecution Counsels Christine Timoi and Peris Maina, successfully sought leave to recall a protected witness.
Although the defence opposed the application, Justice Kavedza allowed the witness to testify for the limited purpose of identifying the suspected getaway motorcycle.
Motorcycle Identified by Distinctive Features
Upon being recalled, the protected witness identified the motorcycle using several distinctive characteristics.
The witness pointed to the initials “SOP”, a “Do Not Touch My Bike” sticker on the brake light, red speakers mounted on both sides of the motorcycle, mismatched rear shock absorbers and an original Boxer engine cover.
The witness also confirmed the motorcycle’s registration number, identified a signed loan agreement related to the motorcycle and authenticated video footage that allegedly showed them riding the motorcycle on the day of the incident.
The murder trial is scheduled to resume on October 21 and 22, 2026, when the High Court will continue hearing evidence.