Police investigations into the brutal murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were have revealed chilling details pointing to a well-planned and targeted assassination. Detectives believe the key suspect, captured on CCTV cameras, trailed the MP from Parliament Buildings to the scene of the fatal shooting in Nairobi.
According to authorities, the hooded gunman, riding pillion on a sports motorbike, was first seen on security footage near an M-Pesa shop along Wabera Street where Were’s car had briefly stopped. The MP’s bodyguard had stepped out to deposit Sh20,000 into his phone, during which time the suspect monitored the vehicle closely.
The MP, who had abandoned his usual vehicle for a more discreet salon car, appeared to have been betrayed by someone with insider knowledge, as the killers were seemingly aware of his movements and vehicle change. He left Parliament around 6:15 p.m. accompanied by his driver and bodyguard, taking an evasive route through City Hall Way, Wabera Street, Kenyatta Avenue, Jakaya Kikwete Road, and finally Valley Road, where traffic forced them to halt.
At around 7:40 p.m., the gunman, who had been tailing the vehicle throughout, alighted from the bike, walked around the MP’s car and fired four close-range shots, fatally injuring Were in the chest and hand. The assailant then fled with his rider toward the Nairobi CBD.
Despite the presence of a bodyguard, the attack was too swift to thwart. The guard attempted to pursue the attackers but was unsuccessful. He returned to assist the MP, who was rushed to Nairobi Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. He had sustained at least five gunshot wounds.
Detectives recovered three spent cartridges at the scene and are relying on CCTV footage and witness accounts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The probe has now extended to the National Assembly and Kasipul constituency amid suspicions of political motives. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed the killing was both targeted and premeditated.
