ISEBANIA, KENYA — Detectives investigating the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were have apprehended a suspect believed to be the gunman responsible for the fatal shooting that occurred along Nairobi’s Valley Road.
The suspect, identified as Isaac Kuria, also known as “Kush”, was arrested in Isebania, near the Kenyan border with Tanzania, while reportedly attempting to flee the country. Sources close to the ongoing investigation indicate that Kuria is suspected of carrying out the hit on the late MP before initiating a calculated escape route spanning several counties.
Kuria, who is reportedly connected to criminal networks operating within Nairobi, is believed to have traveled to the Central Business District (CBD) on the day of the murder with the specific intent of assassinating the legislator.
Investigators state that he tracked Were’s movements before fatally shooting him while he was in traffic. Following the attack, Kuria allegedly fled to Mihango, where he disposed of the murder weapon, which has since been recovered by authorities.
Subsequently, he reportedly traveled to Narok via motorbike to evade police detection and then boarded a public service vehicle to Isebania. He had allegedly been communicating with a relative in Tanzania, coordinating his escape strategy.
Detectives, who were monitoring communications between Kuria and other suspects already in custody, tracked and arrested him at a local lodging in Isebania. Another individual found in his company was also detained.
Both individuals have been transferred to Nairobi and are scheduled to appear at the JKIA Law Courts on Monday.
Also Read: Aroko accuses Governor Wanga of political vendetta in MP Were murder probe
This latest arrest brings the total number of suspects in police custody to eleven. Among those previously detained are Were’s bodyguard Allan Omondi, his driver Walter Owino, and William Imoli, who is believed to have played a pivotal role in the planning and financing of the assassination.
Others in custody include businessman and politician Phillip Aroko and Lake Basin Development Authority Director Ebel Ochieng—both alleged financiers—along with Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has indicated that efforts to apprehend other individuals believed to have been involved in the planning and execution of the murder are continuing.
Detectives are also analyzing financial transactions linked to the suspects, which may provide insights into the motive behind the assassination.
Charles Ong’ondo Were was fatally shot in traffic in what police suspect was a meticulously planned political hit. The case remains under active investigation as authorities intensify their efforts to dismantle the wider network involved in the killing.
