The murder trial of former Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were took a significant step forward on Thursday after the late legislator’s widow and son testified before the High Court in Kibera.
The proceedings, presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza, also saw the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully apply to recall a protected witness to identify the motorcycle allegedly used in the killing.
According to the DPP, the widow told the court that she recognized two of the five accused persons facing trial. She testified that one of them was her neighbour, although they had never interacted, while the other had previously served as her husband’s bodyguard.
The couple’s son, Boyd Were, also took the stand and recounted events leading up to his father’s death. He told the court that he had warned the late MP about an alleged plot to kill him before the fatal attack.
According to his testimony, the information prompted his father to change vehicles on the day he was murdered. Boyd also confirmed that he knew the same two accused persons identified earlier by his mother.
The prosecution team, led by Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, alongside Senior Assistant Directors of Public Prosecutions Wangui Gikui, Principal Prosecution Counsel Christine Timoi and Peris Maina, later sought to recall a protected witness for the limited purpose of identifying the suspected getaway motorcycle.
Although the defence opposed the application, Justice Kavedza allowed it.
Upon returning to the witness stand, the protected witness identified the motorcycle using several unique features, including the initials “SOP,” a “Do Not Touch My Bike” sticker on the brake light, red speakers mounted on both sides, mismatched rear shock absorbers and an original Boxer engine cover.
The witness also confirmed the motorcycle’s registration number, identified a signed loan agreement and authenticated video footage showing them riding the motorcycle on the day of the incident.
“The witness identified the motorcycle through distinctive features,” the DPP said, adding that the witness also authenticated video footage linking the motorcycle to the day of the murder.
The hearing has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume on October 21 and 22, 2026, as the prosecution continues presenting its case against the five accused persons.
