Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were’s Killing Was Targeted, Say Police
Police have revealed that the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was a targeted and premeditated assassination, sending shockwaves through the nation and raising urgent questions about the motive behind the killing.
According to a statement issued by National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, preliminary investigations show that the MP was ambushed on Wednesday evening, April 30, as his vehicle stopped at a red light along Ngong Road near the City Mortuary roundabout.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., eyewitnesses reported that a motorcycle carrying two men—one riding and the other armed—pulled up beside Were’s white Toyota Crown. The pillion passenger disembarked, walked up to the vehicle, and fired several shots into the passenger seat where the legislator was seated. He then fled the scene with the rider, disappearing into traffic.
The MP’s driver and another passenger escaped uninjured and rushed the wounded MP to Nairobi Hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” Nyaga stated. “We are treating this as a heinous and senseless act of violence against a sitting lawmaker.”
Detectives, along with top police officials including the Nairobi Regional Police Commander and DCI boss Mohamed Amin, visited the crime scene shortly after the attack. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have appealed to the public to come forward with any information by contacting the toll-free hotlines: 999, 112, or FichuakwaDCI at 0800 722 203.
The news has triggered widespread grief among political leaders and citizens alike. Prominent figures including ODM party leader Raila Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Dagoretti MP Beatrice Elachi, and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo gathered at Nairobi Hospital in solidarity.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recounted his final moments with Were, saying, “He told me, ‘Mambo si mazuri,’ just hours before his death. It’s deeply shocking.”
Charles Ong’ondo Were was first elected as Kasipul MP in 2017 and won re-election in 2022 under the ODM banner. In Parliament, he served on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation. He held academic qualifications from Mt Kenya University and Meru University and previously worked in private sector leadership roles.
As investigations continue, Kenyans await justice and answers about what led to the brutal killing of a dedicated public servant.
In other news:Scenes at Nairobi Hospital After MP Charles Were Shot Dead
Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were’s Killing Was Targeted, Say Police