Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency, was fatally shot in Nairobi on Wednesday evening, April 30th, around 7:30 PM.
The assassination took place near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road, a busy area that quickly turned into a scene of horror. According to eyewitness accounts, Were’s vehicle was halted at a traffic light when two men on a motorcycle pulled up beside it.
One of the assailants dismounted and fired several rounds through the passenger-side window before fleeing the scene. The boldness and precision of the attack suggest it was meticulously planned and deliberately executed.
Hon. Were, a respected lawmaker and member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was swiftly rushed to Nairobi Hospital.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. His driver, who sustained minor injuries in the attack, survived and is currently assisting authorities with the investigation.
Police have declared the shooting a “targeted and premeditated” killing. The Nairobi regional commander confirmed that CCTV footage is being reviewed and a manhunt is underway.
No arrests have been made, but detectives are following several leads.
President William Ruto issued a sombre statement, expressing deep sorrow and demanding a full investigation. “This is not just an attack on a person but on our democracy,” he said. ODM leader Raila Odinga, visibly shaken, called Were a “gallant son of the soil” and demanded swift justice.
Kenyans across the country are mourning the loss, with spontaneous vigils and tributes pouring in on social media.
Charles Ong’ondo Were, known for his humility and commitment to grassroots development, was serving his second term in Parliament after his re-election in 2022.
This assassination has not only robbed a constituency of its leader but has also reopened national conversations around political violence, security, and impunity. The question on everyone’s lips: Who would benefit from silencing a rising star in Kenyan politics?
The government has urged the public to provide relevant information, emphasising that no detail is too small. As the investigation continues, the nation waits—demanding answers, demanding justice.
