DCI seeks 21 days to detain Obamana matatu sacco touts over stabbing to death of colleague

DCI seeks 21 days to detain Obamana matatu sacco touts over stabbing to death of colleague

Hannington Oloo Ogumbo, Duncan Ochola, Vitalis Owino, and Daniel Ochieng Ojwang are accused of killing Dickson Otieno Ombaka, an employee of the same sacco, on August 3, 2025.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking 21 days to detain four men affiliated with Obamana Matatu Sacco, who are suspected of fatally stabbing their colleague at a bus stage.

Hannington Oloo Ogumbo, Duncan Ochola, Vitalis Owino, and Daniel Ochieng Ojwang are accused of killing Dickson Otieno Ombaka, an employee of the same sacco, on August 3, 2025.

The court heard that a long-standing conflict exists between Obamana Sacco and Obamana Link Sacco Limited over the use of passenger pick-up and drop-off spaces along Temple Road in Nairobi’s Starehe Constituency.

"The two Saccos, which operate along Temple Road within Starehe Constituency, Nairobi, have been having a long-standing dispute," said DCI officer Constable Pwoka Mauka.

Mauka, who is leading the investigation, urged the magistrate to remand the four suspects at Kamukunji Police Station for 21 days to allow time to complete investigations.

More time to record statements

He told the court he needs more time to record statements from witnesses, escort the suspects to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for mental assessments to determine whether they are fit to stand trial, and to conduct a post-mortem to establish the cause of death.

He also noted that an identification parade would be carried out to allow witnesses who saw the incident to identify the suspects.

"The suspects acted in concert with others who are at large, and police are tracing them to bring them to book to face justice," Mauka stated.

He warned that releasing the suspects on bond at this stage could compromise the investigation, as they might interfere with witnesses or evidence.

Dead on arrival

Mauka testified that the victim, Ombaka, was stabbed and taken to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Hospital in Juja, where he was declared dead on arrival.

"Police visited the hospital and found the lifeless body of Ombaka. It was removed and taken to Mama Lucy Hospital, awaiting autopsy," he said.

A defence lawyer opposed the request for a 21-day detention, arguing that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to justify the extended custody. The lawyer asked the court to release the suspects on bond and allow them to cooperate with the investigator as needed.

The magistrate reserved his ruling on whether to grant the police request or release the suspects on bond.

"You will be remanded in custody until August 8, 2025, when I will render a decision on the application seeking detention for 21 days. You will be detained at Kamukunji Police Station," the magistrate directed.

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