NAIROBI, KENYA — Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasipul Constituency, Charles Ong’ondo Were, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Nairobi.
Initial reports indicate that the legislator was fatally shot by two assailants riding a motorbike along Ngong Road, in the vicinity of the City Mortuary.
Police authorities have stated that the motive behind the killing has not yet been immediately determined.
The deceased’s body has been transferred to Nairobi Hospital.
The body lay at the hospital’s emergency section as numerous parliamentary colleagues rushed to the scene to identify and mourn their fallen comrade.
Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin, Nairobi police commander George Seda, and Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo were among the high-ranking officials present at the hospital.
Political leaders have expressed deep sorrow and shock at the legislator’s untimely demise.
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi recounted his final interaction with Were earlier in the day, revealing that the deceased MP had indicated that he was facing difficulties.
“I was with my colleague just this afternoon in Parliament, chatted, laughed, and he told me I need a conversation with you, mambo si mazuri (things are not good). His exact words. Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking,” Amisi stated.
According to credible sources, the MP was attacked while his vehicle was caught in a traffic congestion. He had reportedly just departed Parliament Buildings and was en route to Mbagathi Road when two gunmen, who appeared to be following him, launched their assault.
The assailants reportedly smashed a window of his car and shot him at close range.
Ong’ondo Were was first elected to Parliament in 2017 and subsequently re-elected in 2022 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket.
In the National Assembly, he served as a member of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation.
The late legislator held a Bachelor of Business Management and a Diploma in Business Management from Mt Kenya University, as well as a Certificate in Computerised Accounting from Meru University.
Prior to his entry into politics, Were held various leadership positions within the private sector.
