Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were Is Dead

The National Police Service has said the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were appears to have been both “targeted and predetermined,” raising alarm over the motive behind the brazen attack on a sitting legislator.

In a statement released by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the NPS confirmed that the MP was shot dead on Wednesday evening along Ngong Road near the City Mortuary roundabout by a gunman.

Muchiri said reports confirmed by the Nairobi Regional Police Commander were that, at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a white Toyota Crown vehicle came to a stop at a red traffic light on Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout.

Police said according to eyewitnesses, a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger stopped alongside the car.

“The pillion passenger approached the vehicle and fired shots at the passenger side before jumping back onto the motorcycle and speeding away,” police said.

The driver of the car and a male passenger, both unhurt, managed to rush the injured MP to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” the police spokesman added.

Muchiri said senior police commanders and detectives visited the scene and are piecing together the circumstances surrounding the death.

The NPS condemned the shooting as a “heinous and senseless crime” and assured the public that no effort will be spared in the investigations.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, parliamentary colleagues, constituents, and close associates,” Muchiri added.

The public has been urged to come forward with any information that may assist investigations. Witnesses are encouraged to report to the nearest police station, approach a law enforcement officer, or call the toll-free numbers 999, 112, or FichuakwaDCI at 0800 722 203.

Several high-ranking officials, including Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, Nairobi police boss George Seda, and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, were seen at Nairobi Hospital on Wednesday evening following the shooting.

The legislator’s death has sparked grief among fellow leaders, with Saboti MP Caleb Amisi describing it as shocking.

“I was with my colleague just this afternoon in Parliament. We chatted, laughed, and he told me, ‘I need a conversation with you, mambo si mazuri.’ His exact words. Five hours later, he is no more,” Amisi said.

Were was first elected to Parliament in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 on an ODM ticket. He served on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation.

He held a Bachelor of Business Management and a Diploma in Business Management from Mt Kenya University, as well as a Certificate in Computerised Accounting from Meru University. Before entering politics, he held leadership roles in the private sector.