A fresh breakthrough in the investigation of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were’s murder has seen another suspect arrested in Nairobi’s Kibera slums. The suspect, a boda boda rider identified as Baraza, was apprehended on Tuesday night and is believed to have ferried the assassin to and from the murder scene on April 30.
Baraza allegedly told police that he was unaware the target was a Member of Parliament and claimed he was paid Sh50,000 for the job. Detectives recovered the motorcycle used in the assassination from his house in the Laini Saba area of Kibera. After the mission, he reportedly continued his normal activities, even ferrying another passenger to Kiamaiko before returning home.
Baraza’s arrest brings the number of suspects in custody to 12. Police describe him as the “missing link” in the plot and say his arrest will help piece together key elements of the crime. He is expected to be arraigned in court on Thursday.
Another key suspect, Isaac Kuria, alias “Kush”, was arrested over the weekend in Isebania, near the Kenya-Tanzania border, while allegedly planning to flee the country. Kuria is believed to have been directly involved in the shooting and was a passenger on the motorcycle used during the attack. Investigators say mobile phone data placed him at several key locations tied to the crime.
Kuria reportedly disposed of the murder weapon in Mihango, Kayole, before embarking on a calculated escape to Narok and then to Isebania. He was tracked down through communication with a relative in Tanzania.
Several other suspects remain in custody, including Were’s bodyguard, driver, and individuals alleged to have financed and orchestrated the hit. Police suspect the murder was a politically motivated, well-funded operation. Financial records, large sums of cash—some in U.S. dollars—and forensic evidence are being analyzed as part of the investigation.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that key evidence, including surveillance footage and financial trails, is being examined to establish the motive and strengthen the prosecution’s case.
