In a shocking incident that has left the nation in disbelief, Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated in a “targeted and premeditated” attack on Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025, in Nairobi.
The Assassination
The tragic attack occurred around 7:30 PM near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road. According to eyewitnesses and Nairobi police reports, two gunmen on a motorcycle ambushed Were’s vehicle as it stopped at a red light. One assailant dismounted, approached the vehicle, and smashed the driver’s side window. He then fired multiple shots at close range before quickly fleeing with his accomplice on the motorcycle.
The gunshot wounds left Were critically injured. A group of Good Samaritans rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. His assassination has sparked nationwide outrage, leading to an immediate investigation by several security agencies.
Public and Political Reactions
The news of Were’s death has drawn condemnation and grief from across the country:
- President William Ruto expressed his outrage, calling for a swift, transparent investigation. He assured the public that law enforcement would leave no stone unturned.
- Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under which Were served, described the MP as “a gallant son of the soil.” He demanded answers from the authorities.
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen assured Kenyans that those responsible would face severe consequences, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Many of Were’s colleagues in Parliament, including Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, mourned his loss. Amisi, a close friend of Were, revealed that just hours before his death, Were had expressed concern about rising insecurity in the country. “He sounded deeply disturbed… it’s like he saw it coming,” Amisi said, visibly shaken.
Ongoing Investigations: IPOA and DCI Take Action
In the wake of Were’s assassination, investigations have intensified. Multiple security agencies are involved in piecing together the details of the crime:
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating any potential police involvement in the shooting, after reports suggested the presence of law enforcement in the area during the attack.
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is actively pursuing leads on civilian suspects. The focus has been on the motorcycle used in the attack, as well as CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Investigators are also reviewing phone records to track the movements of the suspects.
Yesterday, significant progress was made with the discovery of crucial CCTV footage. The footage, taken from a nearby surveillance camera, shows the motorbike approaching the scene just minutes before the attack. The footage provides a clear view of the motorcycle’s license plate, which may lead investigators closer to identifying the suspects.
Additionally, statements from Were’s driver and bodyguards have been critical in the investigation. The driver revealed that he noticed the motorbike trailing their vehicle for some time before the attack. The bodyguards, who were in the vehicle with Were, stated that they did not initially notice anything unusual but did recall seeing the motorcycle just before the ambush. One bodyguard recalled that the gunmen acted quickly, firing without warning.
Despite these new developments, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the assassination remains unclear. However, the nature of the attack strongly suggests political or personal vengeance.
Who Was Charles Ong’ondo Were?
Charles Ong’ondo Were, 47, was serving his second term as MP for Kasipul. A loyal ODM member, he was known for his dedication to his constituents and his advocacy for youth empowerment, education, and peacebuilding in the region.
Were held:
- A Bachelor’s and Diploma in Business Management from Mt. Kenya University.
- A Certificate in Computerized Accounting from Meru University.
Before entering politics, Were worked in senior positions in the private sector. He was remembered as a “man of the people,” always engaging with his constituents without the fanfare of a politician. He frequently visited markets and local schools, earning the respect and admiration of his community.
A Nation on Edge: What’s Next?
The assassination of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were comes at a time when Kenya is already dealing with economic strain, rising insecurity, and political tensions. His death is not only a loss to his family and constituents but also to the entire country.
As the investigation continues, many are left with pressing questions:
- Was Were killed because of his political ideologies or positions within ODM?
- Could this attack be linked to internal political conflicts or disputes over local development?
- Will justice be served quickly, or will it be delayed by bureaucracy?
Final Thoughts
As the nation mourns the loss of a visionary leader, the demand for justice grows louder. Until answers emerge, the people of Kasipul—and Kenya at large—will continue to grapple with fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
Justice for Charles Ong’ondo Were must not be delayed.
