The family of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were has expressed concern that those responsible for his assassination may not face justice. According to their legal representative, the family believes certain decisions in the ongoing case may be aimed at shielding key individuals suspected of involvement in the killing.
The family has formally raised their concerns in a letter addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In the letter, they question the integrity of the investigative process, citing that some individuals potentially connected to the assassination are being excluded from scrutiny. The family also fears that some suspects might be falsely presented as state witnesses, allowing them to evade accountability.
Specifically, the family alleges that they had provided vital information to the authorities that has not been acted upon appropriately. Among the details shared is the claim of a secret meeting that involved individuals known to the deceased, including Ebel Ochieng, alias Dave Calo, Allan Omondi Ogola, and Philip Nahashon Aroko. According to the family, this meeting was critical to the planning of the assassination.
Additionally, the family highlighted another significant meeting at the Acacia Premier Hotel in Kisumu. During this meeting, which reportedly included the late MP, a former Nairobi MCA, and others, Ong’ondo Were was allegedly informed about the existence of a prior meeting where plans to assassinate him had been discussed. The family believes that this information should have formed a key part of the investigation.
They are now calling on the DPP to ensure that all individuals mentioned in connection with the assassination are thoroughly investigated. The family insists that the authorities already have sufficient evidence to pursue further action and that any attempt to sideline this information would be a grave miscarriage of justice.
So far, three suspects William Imoli Imo Shigali, Edwin Oduor Odhiambo, and Ebel Ochieng have been arraigned in court and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder. The case was presented before a judge on June 17, 2025. More individuals, including Ong’ondo Were’s bodyguard Allan Omondi Ogola, are expected to face similar charges related to the assassination.
The family maintains that only a thorough and impartial investigation, free from political or personal influence, will ensure justice for the slain legislator. They continue to urge the DPP to uphold the rule of law and pursue all leads without fear or favor.
