Nairobi, May 6, 2025 — Kenya is reeling from the assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County. The 51-year-old legislator was fatally shot on the evening of April 30 while his vehicle was stopped at a traffic light on Ngong Road in Nairobi. Police have described the incident as a “targeted and premeditated” attack.
According to eyewitness accounts, two assailants on a motorcycle approached Were’s car around 7:30 p.m. One of the attackers dismounted, walked to the passenger side, and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Were’s driver and bodyguard were unharmed and rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A postmortem examination conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that Were was shot five times at close range, with bullets piercing vital organs including his heart, lungs, and liver. The cause of death was determined to be excessive bleeding.
The assassination has sent shockwaves through the nation, with President William Ruto condemning the killing and ordering a thorough investigation. Opposition leader Raila Odinga mourned Were as a “gallant son of the soil,” highlighting his dedication to public service.
In a significant development, four suspects, including a serving police officer, were arrested in connection with the murder. They were arraigned at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Courts and are being held for 30 days to allow police to complete investigations. Authorities have linked at least some of the suspects to the Mjahidin gang, a criminal group known for violent robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.
Were had previously expressed concerns for his safety amid rising unrest in his constituency and hostility at public events. His death has raised concerns about the country’s political stability, especially given Kenya’s history of politically motivated violence.
Preparations are underway for Were’s requiem mass, as the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant.