KENYAN Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were has been shot dead in the capital, Nairobi, in what police described as a deliberate and premeditated killing that has shocked the nation and reignited concerns about political security.
The attack occurred late Wednesday as Were travelled in a vehicle along Ngong Road, one of Nairobi’s busiest thoroughfares. According to eyewitness accounts cited in a police statement, a gunman riding on the back of a motorbike opened fire on the MP before fleeing the scene.
National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in the statement that the nature of the incident ‘appears to be both targeted and premeditated’. The driver of the vehicle rushed Were to Nairobi Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Neither the driver nor a male passenger in the car were injured.
Tributes pour in from across the divide
Were represented a constituency in Homa Bay County in western Kenya and was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by opposition figure Raila Odinga.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula described the late MP as ‘a fearless advocate for his constituents’ and praised his dedication to public service and democratic ideals.
In a statement on social media, Odinga said, ‘We have lost a gallant son of the soil,’ as he mourned the passing of one of his party’s loyal representatives.
President William Ruto also expressed his condolences in a post on X, urging law enforcement to conduct a ‘thorough investigation’ and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Political tensions and national concern
The murder comes during a period of political reconciliation between Odinga and Ruto, who were rivals in Kenya’s 2022 general elections. Although Odinga had initially contested Ruto’s presidential win, the two leaders have recently moved towards political cooperation. Were was a key voice in Parliament for ODM and his death is being seen as a significant blow to the party.
The incident has reignited debate around the safety of elected officials in Kenya and the capacity of law enforcement to address politically motivated violence.
‘The police service condemns this heinous and senseless crime and will spare no effort in investigating the matter,’ said Nyaga. He added that it was ‘too early to provide further details’, but confirmed that forensic experts and investigators had been deployed.
