Suspect in Ida Odinga’s bodyguard murder detained for 14 days

By , K24 Digital
On Mon, 17 Oct, 2022 13:33 | 2 mins read
Collins Okundi while in court. PHOTO/Viola Kosome

The suspect implicated in the fatal shooting of Ida Odinga's bodyguard has been detained for 14 days.

Collins Okundi who was arraigned before a Kisumu Magistrates court did not take plea.

This is after the prosecution in the case asked for more time to complete investigations and record statements from a witness who was at the scene of the crime.

While appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Stela Telewa, the prosecutor John Oyimbo who was handling the matter said the suspect was arrested in Eldoret on Sunday after being at large for three days.

He told court that Okundi was driven to Kisumu by police on Monday morning and that the Kisumu DCI who was handling the case did not have a chance to conduct any investigations.

His other reason to detain him was that he was a flight risk.

"I want to note before this court that the suspect Okundi was brought to Kisumu this morning and DCI in Kisumu have not had chance to initiate any investigation," he said.

The prosecutor also revealed to court that the deceased in the matter was the bodyguard of the wife of Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga hence the respondent's life is at risk and his security may not be guaranteed if released.

"Statement of witness at the scene have not been recorded. The individual who was at the scene who was shot was flown to Aga Khan in Nairobi for specialized treatment," he said.

According to the prosecution , the time they have asked for will enable them to conduct a forensic analysis on the firearm that was used.

"We ask the court to grants us the 14 days to enable the DCI conclusively investigate the matter to allow the respondent be charged accordingly".

On her side, ODPP Mina Opiyo noted that the release of the respondent would jeopardize the investigation.

The suspect, however, did not enter any objection to the application to have him detained for 14 days.

He told the court that he was unwell and had a problem with his teeth and right wrist, and asked the court to allow him to be taken to hospital for treatment.

"I have a problem with my teeth and right wrist too. I would like to be taken to hospital for treatment".

He, however, did not expound how he sustained the injuries he told the court he had.

The court granted him his wish to be taken for a medical checkup.

The magistrate directed that he be taken to see a dentist and a doctor for treatment.

He is expected back in court on October 31, 2022 for the mention of his case.

On Friday last week, Barrack Oduor, the bodyguard of Ida was shot dead at Victoria Gardens Estate, Riat area within Kisumu County.

The deceased was reportedly in the company of a woman and his friend and had escorted them home.

In a police report seen by K24 Digital, upon reaching the estate, the suspect believed to be a Manager of a club in Kisumu suddenly appeared and a scuffle ensued between them.

"In the process, the suspect disarmed the police officer and fatally shot him twice in the head and leg. His friend Donar Kajwang was also shot in the leg," police sources stated.

The suspect immediately left with firearm of the officer and a spent cartridge and bullet head of 9mm were recovered at the scene.

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