Nairobi, Kenya – May 4, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves across Kenya’s political landscape, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended a prime suspect in the cold-blooded assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were. The suspect’s arrest comes just four days after the MP was gunned down in broad daylight along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that has captivated the nation and drawn widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide. Alongside the arrest, investigators also recovered the motorcycle believed to have been used by the assassins to flee the scene.
Gruesome Killing Caught on CCTV
MP Were, aged 51, met his untimely death on the evening of Tuesday, April 30, 2025. According to eyewitness reports and CCTV footage reviewed by the DCI, the MP was shot at close range while his official vehicle was stopped at a traffic light on Ngong Road. The footage shows two men riding a motorcycle approach the stationary car. The passenger dismounted, calmly walked up to the vehicle’s window, and opened fire before quickly escaping on the waiting motorcycle.
The MP’s driver, acting swiftly, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital in an attempt to save his life. Tragically, the MP was pronounced dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
Sources within the DCI confirm that the assailants had been tailing the MP’s movements for several hours. Surveillance footage captured a hooded individual matching the suspect’s description loitering around Wabera Street, where MP Were’s car was seen earlier in the day. Authorities believe this surveillance effort was part of a larger, well-coordinated assassination plan.
Ballistic Evidence and Forensic Analysis
Forensic teams dispatched to the scene of the crime recovered three spent cartridges. These are currently undergoing ballistic testing to trace the origin of the firearm used in the assassination. A senior investigator who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the spent shells are from a 9mm handgun, and early results suggest the weapon may have been used in previous criminal incidents.
“The ballistic team is cross-referencing the cartridges with our national crime database to determine if this firearm has been linked to other unsolved cases,” said the DCI source.
Additionally, detectives are analyzing mobile phone data and communication records to establish any link between the arrested suspect and possible co-conspirators, including those who may have issued instructions or provided logistical support.
Getaway Motorcycle Traced and Recovered
In another critical development, the DCI successfully traced the getaway motorcycle used by the attackers. Investigations led officers to a hidden garage in Nairobi’s Kayole estate, where the bike had been concealed. The motorcycle’s number plate had been altered to evade detection, but forensic analysis matched it with images from traffic surveillance cameras captured during the incident.
The DCI has impounded the motorcycle and it is now being examined for DNA evidence, fingerprints, and any other physical clues that could implicate additional suspects.
Political Assassination? Motive Still Under Investigation
While the DCI has remained tight-lipped on the exact motive, investigators have confirmed that the assassination appears to have been targeted and premeditated. The precision of the attack, combined with the tailing of the MP’s movements and the swift execution, has led security analysts and politicians alike to speculate that the motive could be political in nature.
Charles Ong’ondo Were had previously raised alarm about threats to his life. Close associates of the MP have revealed that he had received anonymous messages warning him to “step aside” from active politics. These warnings, which he had shared with party officials within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), are now central to the ongoing investigations.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga, while speaking at a press briefing following the assassination, demanded a swift and thorough investigation. “This is not just an attack on Charles, it’s an attack on democracy. We must not allow political assassinations to return to our country,” Odinga stated.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki also condemned the killing and assured the public that no effort would be spared in bringing those responsible to justice. “We are pursuing every lead. Those who think they can destabilize the nation through bloodshed will be met with the full force of the law,” he warned.
Nation in Mourning as Condolences Pour In
The news of MP Were’s murder has plunged Kasipul Constituency and the nation at large into mourning. Thousands of mourners have gathered at his rural home in Homa Bay County to pay tribute to a leader many described as humble, visionary, and dedicated to uplifting his constituents.
President William Ruto also issued a statement condemning the killing, calling it “an act of cowardice and betrayal of our democratic principles.”
“The killing of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were is deeply saddening. As a country, we must come together and condemn such heinous acts. We urge law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and ensure justice is served,” President Ruto said.
Profile: Charles Ong’ondo Were
Hon. Were was serving his second term as Kasipul MP, having been elected on an ODM ticket. A respected legislator and grassroots mobilizer, he was known for his strong advocacy for youth empowerment, education, and infrastructure development in his constituency.
He began his political career as a civic leader before successfully transitioning to Parliament. He held a Master’s degree in Education and was a former secondary school principal before joining active politics.
Were is survived by his wife and three children.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The suspect currently in custody is undergoing intensive interrogation at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road. Detectives are working under pressure to uncover whether the arrested individual acted alone or is part of a larger network.
“We are following a complex web of communications and financial transactions that may expose the full architecture behind this assassination,” a top DCI officer revealed.
Security has also been beefed up around politicians who have reported similar threats in recent months. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has been roped into the investigations to assess whether there is a broader plot targeting specific political figures.
Public Urged to Remain Calm and Vigilant
In the wake of the assassination, security agencies have urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to do their work. The DCI is also appealing to members of the public with any information related to the killing to come forward.
“This is a matter of national importance. Anyone with information, however small, should not hesitate to speak up. It could be the missing piece we need to bring all the perpetrators to book,” said DCI Director Mohamed Amin.
Conclusion
As Kenya grapples with the tragic loss of yet another sitting legislator, questions remain about the growing trend of politically motivated violence. The swift arrest of a suspect and the recovery of the getaway motorcycle is a promising sign that justice may be within reach.
The country watches closely as the DCI works tirelessly to unravel the full truth behind the brutal assassination of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. Until then, the people of Kasipul, the ODM party, and the entire nation mourn a leader whose life was cut short by a bullet, but whose legacy may inspire a renewed fight for, peace, and political tolerance.
