Kasipul MP Charles Were shot dead in Nairobi

Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul, was shot dead on Wednesday evening in Nairobi by unknown gunmen.

The shooting happened at the City Mortuary roundabout, along Ngong Road.

Witnesses and police sources said two men riding a motorbike had been trailing the MP before carrying out the attack.

At around 7:30 pm, one of the attackers is said to have gotten off the motorbike and shot Were at close range.

He was inside his vehicle at the time of the attack.

After the shooting, the two suspects quickly fled the scene. The MP’s driver, who was also in the vehicle during the attack, escaped unhurt.

Were was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

So far, the reason behind the killing is still unknown, and police have begun investigations.

Were is said to have left Parliament buildings shortly after 8 pm and was seated in the front passenger seat of his vehicle.

As the car reached the traffic lights near City Mortuary, gunmen ambushed him and shot him several times.

Homicide and forensic officers have since examined the body, while detectives continue investigations into the deadly shooting.

The killing happened on the same day the National Assembly began a 21-day recess.

The late MP's body has now been moved to Lee Funeral Home.

Parliamentary Clerk Samuel Njoroge led a team of lawmakers to Nairobi Hospital shortly after the shooting.

Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and several MPs were also present.

Following the attack, the MP’s bodyguard and driver were picked up by homicide detectives for questioning.

The news of Were’s death was met with shock and sorrow, especially from his colleagues in Parliament.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said he had met Were just a few hours earlier and was struggling to believe what had happened.

"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," Amisi said.

Butere MP Tindi Mwale also expressed sadness and disbelief, saying, "This is unbelievable; RIP my brother Hon. Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were."

Were was elected to the National Assembly on an ODM party ticket during the 2022 General Election.

He served on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation.

Before joining politics, he worked in the private sector. He was the Chief Executive Officer of Victoria Cleaning Services.

He held a Bachelor’s degree and a Diploma in Business Management from Mt. Kenya University.