Detectives investigating the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were have made a major breakthrough, arresting a suspect believed to be the gunman behind the high-profile murder. The suspect, identified as Isaac Kuria, alias “Kush”, was captured in Isebania near the Kenya-Tanzania border, allegedly while attempting to flee the country.
Investigative sources revealed that Kuria is suspected to have carried out the fatal shooting of the MP along Nairobi’s Valley Road. Authorities believe he had been trailing the legislator before executing the hit in broad daylight traffic. Kuria is reportedly linked to criminal networks operating within Nairobi and is thought to have travelled to the Central Business District on the day of the murder with a single objective to assassinate the MP.
After the deadly shooting, Kuria is said to have fled to Mihango, where he allegedly disposed of the murder weapon. Authorities have since recovered the weapon, which is expected to serve as critical evidence in the case. From Mihango, Kuria began a calculated escape that took him across several counties. He first travelled to Narok by motorbike to avoid police checkpoints, then continued by public transport to Isebania, where he planned to cross into Tanzania. Detectives believe Kuria was in communication with a relative in Tanzania to facilitate his escape across the border.
The suspect was tracked down at a local lodging in Isebania. He was found in the company of another individual, who was also arrested. Both suspects were transferred to Nairobi for interrogation and are scheduled to appear at the JKIA Law Courts on Monday.
With Kuria’s arrest, the total number of suspects in police custody has now risen to 11. Among the previously arrested are the late MP’s bodyguard Allan Omondi and his driver Walter Owino. Investigators believe these two may have provided inside information on the MP’s movements on the day of the murder.
Another key suspect is William Imoli, believed to have played a central role in coordinating and financing the operation. Authorities say Imoli may have liaised with both the planners and the shooter to ensure the hit was successful. Additional suspects include businessman and politician Phillip Aroko and Lake Basin Development Authority Director Ebel Ochieng, who are alleged to be among the financiers of the plot. Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi are also in custody, both believed to have participated in logistical and planning roles.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has stated that efforts to apprehend others involved in the conspiracy are ongoing. Detectives are analyzing a network of financial transactions linked to the suspects in hopes of uncovering the broader motives and the people behind the planning. Sources close to the investigation suggest that political rivalries and financial disputes may have played a role in the assassination.
The murder of Charles Ong’ondo Were sent shockwaves across the country. He was gunned down in traffic in what police have described as a meticulously planned political assassination. The investigation remains active as authorities work to dismantle the broader network suspected of being behind the hit.
Further updates are expected as police intensify their efforts to bring all involved parties to justice.
