A man suspected of murdering popular Ohangla dancer Sheila Odoyo, alias Sheila Wegesha, will remain in police custody for seven more days as detectives seek to complete investigations into the 2024 killing. Mavoko Principal Magistrate Martha Nanzushi on Tuesday granted detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Athi River more time to hold Jackson Otieno Bambo, alias James Babu Olang.
Mr Bambo, the deceased’s husband, is suspected of killing her at their matrimonial home in Hill View Estate, Athi River, on the night of May 9, 2024. In seeking the extension, the investigating officer told the court that detectives were yet to complete several crucial aspects of the investigation, including obtaining and analysing forensic evidence and securing the postmortem report.
The officer further told the court that Bambo needed to undergo a mental assessment at Machakos Level 5 Hospital. Detectives argued that he was a flight risk, having allegedly fled Kenya and remained in Tanzania for nearly two years, where he reportedly established a club in Kirongwe, Shirati District, about 70 kilometres from the Muhuru border point.
The court also heard that investigators were yet to recover and examine his mobile phone, whose signal was last traced in Narok County shortly after the murder. The defence did not oppose the application. In her ruling, Ms Nanzushi said the prosecution had shown compelling reasons to keep the suspect in custody and granted the request for seven more days.
Mr Bambo will remain detained at Athi River Police Station. The case will be mentioned on November 4, 2026, when he is expected to take a plea at the Machakos High Court. Mr Bambo was arrested on October 24, 2026, in a joint operation involving Athi River DCI detectives, Nyatike officers and Tanzanian law enforcement officers.
According to the DCI, detectives pursued leads for nearly two years before intelligence placed him in Kirongwe, where he was reportedly living and running a club. At the time of his arrest, he was found with a Tanzanian national identity card bearing the name James Babu Olang, police said. Investigators also reported that he had remarried and was building a house in Tanzania.
The arrest marked a major development in the investigation into the death of Ms Odoyo, 38, whose body was discovered in her matrimonial bedroom on May 10, 2024. She was found lying on a bed, with blood on the mattress and a deep cut on her throat. Her daughter, Linda Okinyi, reportedly told DCI officers that she learnt of her mother's death on the afternoon of May 10, when she went to serve her lunch.
Key points
- Jackson Otieno Bambo, alias James Babu Olang, to remain in police custody for 7 more days.
- Detectives seek to complete investigations into the 2024 killing of popular Ohangla dancer Sheila Odoyo, alias Sheila Wegesha.
- Mr Bambo, the deceased’s husband, is suspected of killing her at their matrimonial home in Hill View Estate, Athi River, on the night of May 9, 2024.
