The suspect in the fatal shooting of Ida Odinga’s bodyguard failed to take a plea on Monday, October 31, 2022, after the prosecutor handling the matter requested more days to conduct a mental assessment test.
Collins Okundi failed to take a plea when he was arraigned before a Kisumu Magistrates court.
While appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Beryl Omollo, the prosecutor Vitsengwa Proscovia prayed that the accused be subjected to mental assessment.
She also asked the court to detain Okundi at the Kisumu Maximum Prison pending plea.
In his response, defence lawyer John Onkendi objected to the prosecutor’s argument, saying that he thought that the mental assessment was also being done when the prosecution requested for 14 days on October 17.
“My understanding was that the mental assessment had taken place and today we are supposed to take a plea. The prosecution had requested for 14 days since my client was arrested. I oppose the application and I ask that we take the plea,” he said.
Magistrate rules
In her ruling, the magistrate directed that the accused person be taken for mental assessment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral and be remanded at the Kisumu Maximum Prison in the meantime.
“I hereby directed that the accused be presented for plea taking on November 3,” she said.
Early this month, 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 us, 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, “stated police sources.
The suspect immediately left with the officer’s firearm. A spent cartridge and bullet head of 9mm were recovered at the scene.
