Court orders full inventory of seized items in MP Charles Were murder case
Justice Diana Kavedza issued the directive during a pre-trial conference on Friday, emphasising the importance of transparency and fairness in handling exhibits that will be relied upon during the trial.
The High Court in Kibera has ordered the investigating officer handling the murder case of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were to personally appear and present a full inventory of all items seized from the five accused persons.
Justice Diana Kavedza issued the directive during a pre-trial conference on Friday, emphasising the importance of transparency and fairness in handling exhibits that will be relied upon during the trial.
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"The investigating officer must appear in court with a detailed, physical list of all recovered items. We need to determine which items qualify as exhibits and which should be returned," the judge directed.
During the session, the court learned that the five accused, produced under a production order, had various items confiscated at the time of arrest, including personal effects such as wristwatches, clothes, medical and academic documents, and money. Some of these items have been returned, while others remain in police custody.
The judge questioned the chain of custody and documentation of the exhibits, seeking clarification on whether every seized item had been properly recorded.
Prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi informed the court that two bundles of exhibits had been prepared, with one already shared with the defence. However, she admitted that a few physical items were still pending submission, assuring that the prosecution was working to ensure full disclosure before the next pre-trial.
Defence counsel John Swaka urged the court to order the release of personal items not relevant to the case, arguing that holding such belongings was unnecessary and burdensome. "Items like certificates, watches, and clothing have no evidentiary value and should be released without forcing us to make formal applications," Swaka said.
Justice Kavedza directed the investigating officer to identify which items would form part of the prosecution evidence and to present the disputed property in court.
The judge also heard fresh bail applications from two of the accused and directed both sides to file written submissions ahead of oral highlights scheduled for November 19.
The next pre-trial conference will take place on October 29, 2025, with all accused and the investigating officer required to attend in person.
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