Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were Assassinated in Targeted Nairobi Shooting

The National Police Service has confirmed that the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was a premeditated and targeted attack.

In a statement released Thursday, Police Spokesman Muchiri Nyaga described the killing as “heinous and senseless,” emphasizing that preliminary investigations point to a carefully planned operation. The attack occurred on Wednesday night at around 7:30 p.m. near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.

According to eyewitness accounts, Were was seated in a white Toyota Crown when two men on a motorcycle approached the vehicle. The pillion passenger reportedly alighted, walked up to the car’s passenger side, and opened fire at close range before fleeing with the rider. The MP’s driver and another passenger, both unharmed, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

No arrests have been made so far, but authorities have pledged a comprehensive investigation. “The National Police Service will spare no effort in investigating the matter,” Nyaga said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula strongly condemned the assassination, calling for the findings of the investigation to be presented before Parliament. “This is a national tragedy,” he stated. “Parliament’s leadership is fully engaged and remains in contact with the bereaved family.”

While the motive remains unclear, speculation is rife. Some social media users have linked the killing to recent violence in Kasipul, accusing Were of orchestrating attacks against political rivals. Others believe his outspoken criticism of government officials may have made him a target.

Police have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.