NAIROBI, Kenya — Charles Ong’ondo Were, the soft-spoken Kasipul MP with a sharp sense of humor and a formidable business resume, was gunned down Tuesday evening in what police are calling a “targeted and predetermined” attack.
The 46-year-old legislator was ambushed at around 7:30 p.m. near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road—just over an hour after leaving Parliament, where he had spent much of the day.
His death has since sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, sparking grief, outrage, and urgent demands for answers.
A Chilling Ambush in the Heart of Nairobi
According to a statement by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, Were was a passenger in a white Toyota Crown that had stopped at a red light when a motorcycle carrying two men pulled up beside it. One of the men got off, walked to the car, and fired several shots through the passenger window before escaping with the rider.
The MP’s driver and another passenger—both uninjured—rushed him to Nairobi Hospital. But it was too late. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police say early investigations suggest the hit was no random act of violence. “The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” Nyaga stated. Senior detectives visited the crime scene that night and have launched a high-priority investigation, though no arrests have been made yet.
Just weeks before the shooting, Were had confided in his constituents during a funeral in Kasipul that he believed he was being followed. His chilling final words: “If I die, please drape me in the ODM colours.”
Parliament, Party, and a Nation in Mourning
Were’s death has hit particularly hard among fellow lawmakers, many of whom spent the afternoon with him just hours before the assassination.
“He left barely 30 minutes before he met his death,” said Majority Leader Junet Mohamed. “We would like to ask the police to investigate this matter thoroughly and share with Kenyans as fast as possible what happened.”
Beyond the halls of Parliament, the reaction has been widespread.
Leaders across the political spectrum mourned his death and described him as a devoted servant to the people of Homa Bay County and a champion of public service.
From Humble Beginnings to the National Assembly
Born in the Oyugis area of Kasipul Constituency, Were’s path to Parliament wasn’t traditional—but it was undeniably driven.
He began his education at Kanabok Primary School, later graduating from Oyugis Secondary School. His passion for education and self-improvement saw him pursue further studies as an adult.
He earned a certificate at Meru University in 2013 and went on to complete a diploma and degree in Business Management at Mt. Kenya University.
Never one to slow down, Were enrolled in a Master’s program in Procurement and Supplies in 2019.
His business acumen was just as impressive. He served as CEO of multiple firms, including Victoria Cleaning Services and Benga Group Holdings, laying the foundation for his political career.
Elected to Parliament in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 under the ODM banner, Were was serving his second term at the time of his death. He most recently sat on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation.
As investigations continue, one question hangs heavy in the air: Who wanted him gone—and why?
