Suspect in killing of Ida Odinga's bodyguard detained by the court

Murder suspect Collins Oundo Okundi (in orange) escorted by a plain-clothed police officer after he surrendered himself at the Eldoret Central Police Station on Saturday, October 15, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] The main suspect 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 failed to take plea, saying he needed time to discuss with his lawyer who was absent at the time. This came after the prosecution in the case asked for more time to complete investigations and record witness statements from one of the individuals who were 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 the 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. He said the respondent was a flight risk considering he ran away from the crime scene with the alleged weapon. The prosecutor also revealed to the court that the deceased in the matter was the bodyguard of Ida Odinga, wife of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga. "The respondent's life is at risk and his security may not be guaranteed if released." "Statement of the witness at the scene have not been recorded. The individual who was at the scene who was shot was flown to Agakhan hospital in Nairobi for specialized treatment". Oyimbo said the detainment period for the accused will give them enough time to conduct a forensic analysis of the firearm that was used. "We ask the court to grant us the 14 days to enable the DCI conclusively investigate the matter to allow the respondent to be charged accordingly," he said. On her side, Mina Opiyo from ODPP noted that the release of the respondent would jeopardize the investigation which is at its peak. 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," said Okundi. The court granted him his wish to be taken for a medical check-up. 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. The suspect surrendered to the police in Eldoret on Sunday where he was arrested and transferred to Kisumu police. According to police in Eldoret, the suspect stated that he had gone out drinking and had returned home. Okundi said he confronted Onyango after they arrived at his home accompanied by another man. He denied shooting him, saying his pistol misfired during the confrontation. Onyango was shot Thursday morning and died on the spot at Victoria Gardens Estate in Riat, Kisumu West sub-county.

Suspect in killing of Ida Odinga's bodyguard detained by the court

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Suspect in killing of Ida Odinga's bodyguard detained by the court

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