Kenyan authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were.
A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has recovered the motorcycle believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle in the attack.
MP Were was shot dead on the evening of 30 April 2025, while his vehicle was stopped at a traffic light on Ngong Road in Nairobi. Eyewitnesses reported that two assailants on a motorcycle approached his car; the passenger dismounted and fired multiple shots at close range, striking the MP in the chest. Despite being rushed to Nairobi Hospital by his driver, Were was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The DCI’s investigation involved analyzing CCTV footage from various locations, including Wabera Street, where a hooded individual was seen monitoring the MP’s vehicle prior to the attack. Ballistic experts also recovered three spent cartridges from the crime scene, which are undergoing forensic examination.
Authorities have indicated that the assassination was a targeted and premeditated act. The motive behind the killing remains under investigation, with political motivations not being ruled out.
Charles Ong’ondo Were, aged 51, was serving his second term as the MP for Kasipul Constituency under the Orange Democratic Movement party. He had previously expressed concerns about threats to his life.
The suspect is currently in police custody as the DCI continues its investigation into the assassination.
