Tributes flow for Kasipul MP after fatal shooting

Kenya is mourning the death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, with leaders from across the political divide paying tribute to the late legislator as a fearless, committed servant of the people, following his shocking murder on Wednesday evening.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula led tributes, describing Were as "a fearless advocate for his constituents” and "a man deeply committed to the democratic ideals and service to the people he represented."

"This callous and cowardly act committed under the cover of night has robbed the nation of a distinguished legislator. The loss of Hon. Were is not just a tragedy to his family and the people of Kasipul but also a big loss to the people of Kenya," Wetang’ula said.

He urged investigative agencies to swiftly track down the killers.

"As we mourn our departed dear friend and colleague, I call upon our security and investigative agencies to undertake thorough investigations to bring to book those responsible for this heinous and cowardly act," he said.

Wetang’ula also called for patience.

"In this time of national grief, I urge all Kenyans to remain calm and allow due process to take its course. The leadership of Parliament is actively engaged and will continue to monitor the progress of investigations while remaining in close contact with the bereaved family," he added.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), under whose ticket Were was elected, said it had received the news of his death "with shock and disbelief."

The party said the MP had left Parliament at 6:15 pm after official business and was later killed along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

"While we join his constituents, the people of the great county of Homa Bay, his family, colleagues, and friends in mourning, we call on the police to investigate the shooting incident and bring the culprits to book," ODM said in a statement, adding that a detailed statement would follow.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also expressed his grief, remembering Were as a passionate advocate.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, the MP for Kasipul. I had the privilege of serving with him in Parliament, where he always advocated for the people of Kasipul with clarity and conviction," he said.

"Those who planned and executed this heinous crime must face the full force of the law. To his family, friends, and the people of Kasipul, I extend my heartfelt condolences. May you find peace in the legacy he leaves behind and strength in knowing that his service was not in vain," Duale added.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recounted a chilling final interaction with the late MP.

"I was with my colleague just this afternoon in Parliament, chatted, laughed, and he told me, ‘I need a conversation with you, mambo si mazuri (Translation: Things are not good).’ His exact words. Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking," he said.

Other MPs were equally heartbroken.

"This is unbelievable; RIP my brother Hon. Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were," wrote Butere MP Tindi Mwale.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya said Were’s death was a blow to democracy.

"Received very shocking news from Nairobi: that the Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was the MP for Kasipul Kabondo, has reportedly been gunned down on Ngong Road. It’s alleged that a lone motorbike assailant drove up and took his life. He was a former member of the National Security Council, among other notable appointments. This is a dark day," he said.

"My heart goes out to his family and constituents. This is a barbaric act! Attacking our leaders is an attack on our democracy! Police—act fast! Bring our leaders’ killers to book! Rest in peace, Hon. Were. Your legacy lives on," Salasya added.

The Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) also offered condolences while distancing law-abiding riders from the attack.

"BAK strongly condemns the tragic and senseless fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Were. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of the late MP during this time of grief," the group said.

"Such actions not only endanger the lives of innocent Kenyans but also tarnish the image of thousands of hardworking, law-abiding riders across the country. We urge the public and law enforcement to treat this incident as a criminal matter and not a reflection of the bodaboda community as a whole," BAK added.

Behind the tributes lies a brutal crime that has left the country stunned.

Were was shot and killed near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi. According to police, the gunman approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing on a motorbike with an accomplice.

Were’s driver was not injured during the attack.

Although he was rushed to the hospital, Were was pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigators have since opened a probe into the incident, but no arrests have been made so far.

The motive remains unknown.