Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were was killed after being shot by unidentified gunmen in Nairobi, raising fears of rising political violence in Kenya.
The incident happened on Wednesday evening when gunmen riding a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) ambushed his vehicle along the busy Ngong Road.
According to police, the assailants had been following Were’s car before one of them disembarked and fired at close range, striking the MP.
Authorities say the location frequently patrolled by traffic police and monitored with surveillance cameras adds to the alarming nature of the hit.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga characterized the incident as a calculated killing: “The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined.”
Were was immediately rushed to Nairobi Hospital by his driver and bodyguard, who both escaped the attack unharmed. However, the legislator was pronounced dead on arrival.
Reports indicate that Were, an opposition member affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), had earlier expressed concerns about threats to his life, raising questions over security measures provided to him.
Following the incident, President William Ruto demanded a full and swift probe, insisting, “Those responsible must be held to account.”
A wave of grief swept through Kenya’s political circles as news of Were’s death broke. Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetang’ula paid tribute to his fallen colleague, calling him a “fearless and distinguished” leader and labeling the assassination “devastating.”
ODM leader Raila Odinga condemned the killing in strong terms, saying, “We have lost a gallant son of the soil!” and added that Were was “mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin.”
