The JKIA Law Courts has rejected an application by five suspects who sought to contest the court's authority in a case related to the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were.

Magistrate Irene Gichohi, in her ruling, noted that the suspects remain subjects of an active investigation.

She affirmed that there is no legal hindrance preventing the court from presiding over the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) miscellaneous application.

The DCI is requesting to hold the suspects for an additional 30 days to facilitate ongoing inquiries.

Among those in custody are the legislator’s driver, his bodyguard, and a neighbour from his rural home.

"The application by the respondents lacks merit and the same is dismissed," ruled Magistrate Gichohi.

The accused had petitioned for the case to be moved to either the Milimani or Kibra Law Courts, arguing that the alleged offence took place within those areas.

However, the magistrate emphasized that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage.

"This court is not conducting a trial; it has merely been asked to consider custodial orders," she explained.

With the jurisdictional objection overruled, the court will now move forward with hearing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ application for custodial detention.