Ong’ondo’s Death Threatens to Split Broad-Based Govt As ODM MPs Point Fingers at Govt and Police

The assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, threatening to unravel the fragile broad-based government formed just two months ago between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Senior ODM politicians have issued stark warnings that they may withdraw from the coalition government unless Were’s killers are swiftly brought to justice, with some directly implicating government forces in the murder.

“We wanted you to take action before he was killed. You must tell us what you know or take us out of the broad-based government,” declared National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo during a press conference at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, where ODM leaders had gathered to view Were’s body.

Police Pursuing Three Theories

Meanwhile, investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have narrowed their focus to three potential motives behind Were’s killing, which occurred around 8pm on Wednesday at a red light on Ngong Road, near Nairobi Funeral Home.

The investigation team, comprising members from the DCI Homicide Unit and Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, is exploring whether the murder stems from constituency wrangles, a business deal gone wrong, or the MP’s financial transactions.

Detectives have identified at least four individuals who could provide crucial information, with particular interest in two people captured on CCTV footage apparently trailing the MP in the days before his murder. The MP’s driver and bodyguard are also being questioned.

## MP Had Reported Death Threats

In a development that has fueled ODM’s suspicions, homicide investigators are seeking information from Nyanza police regarding death threats reported by Were in February. In video footage circulating on social media, the MP had claimed that an “organised criminal gang” was “baying for his blood.”

During a public gathering in Nyatindo, East Kamagak Ward, Were had complained that individuals from outside his constituency were disrupting his meetings. He also reported that his vehicle had been blocked as he left a funeral, saying he would have been attacked if not for his security team.

## ODM Leaders Issue Ultimatum

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, speaking at Were’s home in Kachien, Homa Bay County, issued a thinly veiled threat to the government: “We said we are working together, but we did not sign up to the assassination of our members.”

Wanga suggested the murder might be part of a scheme to weaken ODM and its officials, warning, “Do not mistake a lion that’s been rained on for a cat.”

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed delivered an ultimatum to investigative agencies, demanding they reveal Were’s killers before his burial. “The President is very annoyed and said he has given stern instructions that the culprits must be brought to book,” Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi reported after speaking with President Ruto.

## Political Assassination Suspected

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who chairs the funeral committee, claimed the killing was carried out by professionals in an area known for heavy traffic and police presence.

“Whoever pulled the trigger was very confident in what they did. It shows that they are protected by people in government,” Kaluma asserted, also threatening dissolution of the political alliance if the case remains unresolved.

The 10-point agreement signed in March that established the broad-based government included commitments to address unresolved deaths and foster national unity. ODM leaders now view Were’s murder as a direct violation of this pact.

Were, who had served less than three months as vice chairperson of the National Assembly’s National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity Committee, was described by colleagues as an “active” and “unapologetic” ODM member who was seeking to become the party’s chairperson in Homa Bay before his death.

His murder adds to Kenya’s troubling history of political assassinations and raises serious questions about the security of elected officials. As Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang noted, “Imagine a leader who is well protected with a bodyguard being killed. It leaves other Kenyans who are not protected even more vulnerable.”

As investigations continue, the political temperature is rising, with the stability of Kenya’s coalition government hanging in the balance.