Police link gun used to kill MP Were to Nairobi, Kiambu robberies

A firearm used in the fatal shooting of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has been recovered by detectives, who have now confirmed it was also involved in several armed robberies in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.

The discovery was made during a Tuesday night operation in Chokaa, Kayole, where police found two guns, a bag, and a pair of shoes.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the breakthrough marked a major step forward in the investigation.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Kanja revealed that ballistic tests had positively identified one of the recovered weapons, a Sarsilmaz pistol, as the one used to kill the MP on April 30, 2025.

"The ballistic report we have received unequivocally links the Sarsilmaz pistol, recovered from the residence of one of the suspects, to the fatal shots that took his life," he said.

Investigators have so far detained ten individuals in connection with the murder.

The MP’s driver and bodyguard, who were initially arrested soon after the shooting to assist with investigations, remain in custody.

Authorities believe some of the suspects are members of the "Mjahidini" gang, which is associated with a series of violent robberies in the Eastlands area of Nairobi.

Were was gunned down at around 7:40 pm while in his white Toyota Crown near City Mortuary, along Ngong Road.

His car had stopped at a traffic light when two men on a motorcycle pulled up.

One of them approached the passenger side and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

The wounded MP was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by his driver and bodyguard, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.

An autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor showed that the legislator had sustained five bullet wounds, all from the left side of his body.

Two bullets were retrieved from the body, and a third was discovered inside the vehicle.

The bullets, along with other forensic evidence, were taken for examination at the National Forensic Laboratory.

This led to a wide-ranging probe by the DCI Homicide team, backed by forensic officers.

Through surveillance footage, detectives tracked the suspects’ movements before and after the shooting, identified a vehicle used in the planning, and recovered money believed to be connected to the murder.

Four of the ten suspects were charged on May 5 at the JKIA Court.

The court granted police a 30-day extension to continue with their investigations, and the matter is scheduled to be mentioned again on June 5.

Following the court proceedings, two more suspects were picked up and helped police locate the Chokaa house, where the guns and other items were recovered.

"The firearm used to kill the MP has also been implicated in three separate robbery incidents across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, with the most recent crime occurring on April 26," Kanja revealed.

Investigators say the case is still active and more arrests are expected as new leads emerge.

"We will continue to pursue all leads, analyse forensic evidence, and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice," said the Inspector General.

"We are grateful for the cooperation of Hon. Were’s family, friends, and members of the public, whose valuable information has driven significant progress in this investigation," he said.

The National Police Service is urging anyone with further information to report to the nearest police station or call their toll-free numbers 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).