Nairobi, Kenya- In a chilling turn of events that’s rocked the nation, Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead Wednesday evening in what police have called a “targeted and predetermined” assassination.
The legislator, who had left Parliament just an hour earlier, was gunned down near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi—a shocking incident that’s triggered grief, fury, and urgent calls for justice.
A Brazen Attack in the Heart of the Capital
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the 7:30 p.m. ambush was no random act of violence.
Witnesses told police that two gunmen riding on a motorcycle pulled up beside Were’s white Toyota Crown at a red light. One disembarked, approached the passenger side, and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
Despite the swift response by his driver, who rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, the two-term legislator was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a press statement, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that senior detectives and Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda had visited the crime scene and launched investigations.
The NPS called the killing “heinous and senseless” and urged the public to share any tips via toll-free lines such as 999, 112, or Fichua kwa DCI (0800 722 203).
“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” Nyaga said, assuring the public that “no effort will be spared in the investigations.”
Nationwide Condolences and Political Outcry
The murder of the 44-year-old MP—who had served on Parliament’s Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation—has drawn an outpouring of grief and condemnation from Kenya’s top political leaders.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called the killing a “cowardly and callous act” that robbed Kenya of a “fearless advocate” for democratic ideals.
He urged calm as security agencies investigate and promised Parliament would keep close tabs on developments.
“This is not just a loss for the Kasipul constituency, but a tragedy for the entire country,” he said.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), on whose ticket Were was elected, expressed shock and called for a speedy probe. The party revealed that Were had left Parliament at 6:15 p.m., less than two hours before the shooting.
“We join his constituents and the people of Homa Bay in mourning. This was a tragic and senseless loss,” ODM stated.
Other leaders echoed the anguish. Health CS Aden Duale mourned his parliamentary colleague and demanded the killers face the full force of the law. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, visibly shaken, recounted that Were had confided just hours earlier: “Mambo si mazuri”—”Things are not good.”
Bodaboda Sector Responds, Distances Itself from Attack
The method of attack—by motorcycle—sparked concern among Kenya’s bodaboda riders. The Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) swiftly issued a statement condemning the assassination and distancing the sector from any involvement.
“Such actions endanger the lives of innocent Kenyans and tarnish the image of thousands of hardworking riders,” BAK said, warning against blanket criminalization of the industry.
They called for an urgent investigation but emphasized that this incident should not reflect on the bodaboda community at large, most of whom remain committed to safety and lawfulness.
A Nation Demands Justice
Charles Ong’ondo Were’s assassination is more than a personal tragedy—it’s a jarring blow to Kenya’s political fabric.
As investigations unfold and the manhunt intensifies, one thing is clear: Kenyans want answers, accountability, and assurance that no one is above the law.
In the words of Speaker Wetang’ula: “Let us honor Hon. Were’s legacy by ensuring justice is served.”
