Ong’ondo Were: A shocking evening murder in Nairobi

On Wednesday evening, Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were was brazenly shot dead outside City Mortuary on Ngong Road, Nairobi.

The gunman, riding a motorcycle, executed the MP at close range before speeding off, mysteriously sparing the lawmaker’s armed bodyguard.

The silence of the security detail and the swiftness of the operation have ignited a storm of suspicion and outrage.

The shocking killing comes just two days after the Kasipul West MCA was shot and injured in the Lucky Summer area of Nairobi.

While the two incidents remain officially unlinked, the timing, geography, and victims point to a disturbing pattern, one that suggests premeditation and possible retaliation.

Days before his killing, MP Ong’ondo was the subject of damning social media accusations.

A viral post alleged that the MP had orchestrated the maiming and killing of over a dozen young men in his constituency, reportedly over political differences.

The post claimed that Homa Bay County enforcement officers allegedly loyal to the MP were used to execute the violence, with no arrests or investigations initiated.

"Thirteen youths are dead. The MP is walking free. The police are asleep. If the State won’t act, we will," the post warned.

Whether his death is connected to those accusations remains unclear. But what is clear is that the MP had reportedly expressed fears for his life before the shooting, and yet, he remained dangerously exposed.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya is among the few leaders demanding accountability.

"This is where we begin, with his bodyguard," Salasya said.

"You are assigned to protect a legislator who’s under threat, and he is shot at close range while you stand by? That doesn’t happen by accident."

Salasya, who survived a political attack last year, says security for public officials is no longer optional.

"Since I was attacked near Nyayo Stadium, I’ve never walked alone. I used to dodge my guards, now I can’t even try. I live under permanent watch."

The MP is calling for an urgent overhaul of Nairobi’s urban security, including the installation of CCTV in all key zones and deployment of AI-powered surveillance systems to flag suspicious activity and protect public figures and civilians alike.

Former CAS David Osiany took to Facebook shortly after the killing, posting a cryptic message: "If you live by the sword, you will die by the sword. Endeavor to live at peace with all men."

The statement, while not naming anyone, has fueled speculation about whether the MP’s death was an act of vengeance, and if so, by whom.

Health CS Aden Duale and MP Salasya have both condemned the killing, calling it barbaric, unacceptable, and a threat to Kenya’s democratic space.

Meanwhile, the National Police Service says it will spare no effort in solving the heinous crime.

According to the Police, the nature of this crime appears to be both "targeted and premeditated," although it adds that it is too early to provide further details.

Senior police commanders and detectives were at the scene, piecing together the circumstances surrounding the death at the time of this reporting.

Additionally, members of the public are also being called upon to volunteer any information that may help in solving the killing.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer, or call the toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203)," concluded the statement.

Meanwhile, as the murder probe unfolds, many questions remain unanswered.

Why was the MP’s security detail unresponsive?

Was prior intelligence about threats ignored?

Are the earlier youth killings in Kasipul connected to his murder?

Is Nairobi becoming a hotspot for politically motivated assassinations?

Final Thoughts

The killing of MP Ong’ondo Were is more than just a tragic loss, it is a symptom of growing rot in Kenya’s political and security systems.

The public deserves answers.

And unless the State rises to meet this moment with transparency and resolve, a trail of murder and silence may very well lead to many more trails of shocking murders. Too many to comprehend.