Suspect in MP Were Killing Nabbed at Kenya-Tanzania Border

Nairobi — A Nairobi court on Monday granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) permission to detain Isaac Kuria, alias “Kush,” for 30 days pending investigations into the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’onda Were.

Were was shot dead on April 30 near City Mortuary roundabout along Valley Road after being trailed from Parliament by a car and a motorcycle. CCTV footage and witness accounts reportedly match Kuria, who police believe was hired to carry out the hit.

Detectives say Kuria was arrested on May 9 while attempting to flee to Tanzania through Isebania, Migori County. He was found in a hotel with his brother and step-sister, allegedly awaiting illegal passage across the border.

Investigating officer Reuben Mwaniki revealed in court that Kuria had been dropped near Parliament, picked up by motorcycle, and trailed the MP before the fatal shooting. Mobile phone data places him at the crime scene and in communication with accomplices before and after the murder.

Authorities say Kuria is linked to the firearm used in the killing, which was recovered from his alleged co-conspirators. He is now the 11th suspect in custody, joining the MP’s bodyguard Allan Omondi, driver Walter Owino, and businessman William Imoli, suspected of funding the operation.

Other suspects include Phillip Aroko, Ebel Ochieng of the Lake Basin Development Authority, Edwin Oduor, and Dennis Manyasi.

Investigators are pursuing further CCTV analysis, identification parades, mobile phone forensics, and visits to Nairobi and Homa Bay crime scenes. The DCI is also probing possible political and financial motives behind the assassination.

Kuria is being held at Kasarani Police Station as the high-profile murder investigation unfolds.