Opposition MP Charles Ong’ondo Were Gunned Down in Nairobi in Suspected Assassination

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Nairobi, Kenya – Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul constituency in western Kenya, was shot dead on Wednesday evening in Nairobi in what police are treating as a targeted attack.

According to a statement released by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the assailants, riding a motorcycle, had been trailing the MP’s vehicle along Ngong Road. As the vehicle approached a busy roundabout, one of the individuals dismounted and shot Were at close range.

“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” stated Nyaga, indicating the seriousness with which the authorities are viewing the incident.

Were’s driver and bodyguard, who were both unharmed in the attack, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The shooting occurred near a well-secured roundabout that is typically manned by traffic police and equipped with security cameras.

In the wake of the shocking incident, senior police commanders and detectives swiftly visited the crime scene to commence investigations. President William Ruto has issued a firm directive to the police, demanding a thorough and swift inquiry into the killing and assuring that “those responsible must be held to account.”

The assassination has sent shockwaves through the political fraternity. Fellow legislators who visited the scene expressed their outrage and called for immediate and comprehensive investigations to ensure justice is served.

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Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, described the slain MP as a “fearless and distinguished” legislator, adding that the news of his shooting was “devastating.”

Were was a prominent figure in the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by veteran politician Raila Odinga. In a strong statement, Odinga condemned the “merciless and cold-blooded” killing of a “gallant son of the soil” by what he termed an “assassin.”

It has emerged that the outspoken MP had raised concerns about threats to his life just two months prior to his assassination, according to local media reports.

The timing of the attack comes after a significant political development in the country. Odinga, who contested and lost the 2022 presidential election to President Ruto amidst claims of irregularities, has since entered into a political agreement with the president. This agreement has resulted in some opposition members joining the cabinet in what has been described as a “broad-based government.”

The assassination of Were is likely to heighten political tensions and raise questions about security for elected officials in the country as investigations continue.