New Twist: UDA/ODM Political Rivalry Suspected in MP Were’s Murder as Senior State Official Arrested

In a significant breakthrough in the investigation of Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were’s assassination, detectives have arrested a Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) board member believed to have financed the killing.

This arrest, made in Nakuru, comes as investigators increasingly link the murder to political tensions between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

The LBDA official reportedly maintains close ties with a senior figure in the Office of the President, with whom he was in “constant communication” on the day of Were’s murder.

This connection has intensified scrutiny on potential high-level involvement in the assassination plot.

Weapons Recovered, Multiple Suspects Detained

In a major operation in Nairobi’s Chokaa area of Kayole, police recovered a pistol believed to be the murder weapon.

Ballistic analysis has revealed this firearm was previously used in at least three other crimes across Komarock, Kayole, and Ndumberi in Kiambu County.

A second pistol was subsequently recovered when two additional suspects were apprehended.

In a surprising development, the MP’s driver and bodyguard have also been detained after providing “conflicting statements” about the incident.

Four primary suspects—William Imoli Shighali (alias Omar Shakur), police officer Juma Ali Haikal, Douglas Muchiri Wambugu, and David Mihigo Kagame—will remain in custody for 30 days as investigations continue.

Reports indicate the suspects were in communication before and after the assassination.

Evidence Trail Points to Premeditated Attack

CCTV footage shows Shighali, who reportedly has connections to the extremist Mujahidin gang, trailing MP Were along Nairobi’s Wabera Street while carrying a bag believed to have concealed the murder weapon.

Investigators recovered this bag along with police boots at Hikal’s residence in Pangani, where authorities also found the vehicle suspected to have been used in the assassination.

At Shighali’s home, detectives discovered police uniforms, multiple mobile phones, and approximately 615,000 Kenyan shillings (part of the alleged 850,000 shilling payment to the killers).

Authorities found an additional $4,800 in cash and other evidence under forensic examination.

“Thousands of minutes of CCTV footage have been reviewed in an attempt to reconstruct the final moments of the late MP,” prosecutors stated during court proceedings.

High-Level Connections Under Investigation

Investigators are pursuing leads suggesting involvement of a senior government official and two high-ranking police officers from Homa Bay and Nairobi.

Sources indicate that one killer was promised protection from arrest due to the planners’ government connections.

Reports suggest Were had recently expressed security concerns about his isolated Karen residence and had confided that he believed he was targeted by opponents of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

Political Rival Summoned for Questioning

Philip Aroko.

In a related development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Philip Aroko, described as a “person of interest” and reported political rival of Were in Kasipul constituency.

Accompanied by attorney Danstan Omari, Aroko reported to DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road.

“I’m ready for anything. I don’t fear being summoned by the DCI, it’s normal,” Aroko stated. “I want to hear what they have against me.”

His lawyer characterized the DCI’s public notice as “diversionary tactics” as the investigation reaches an advanced stage.

During Were’s requiem mass at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged authorities to expedite their investigation, stating, “The death of Were has sparked confusion, which should end with a final statement from the investigative authorities.”

Wetang’ula directed that all CCTV footage around Parliament be provided to investigators and ordered a thorough vetting of security personnel assigned to MPs.

“We want to know what kind of men and women are guarding us,” he emphasized.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi eulogized Were as “a firm soldier of the Orange Democratic Movement,” while Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi noted that “people back in Homa Bay are very agitated” and demanding answers.

Final Arrangements

Ong’ondo’s Home in Homa Bay.

Were’s body will be airlifted to Homa Bay County ahead of his burial tomorrow in Kachien Village, Kasipul Constituency.

Governor Gladys Wanga has appealed for peace and unity during the funeral proceedings.

The investigation, described by authorities as “highly complex,” is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with planned operations in Homa Bay County and beyond as detectives continue pursuing additional suspects, including a boda boda rider alleged to have facilitated the assassins’ escape.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​