In a significant breakthrough in the murder investigation of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, detectives have arrested yet another suspect, bringing authorities one step closer to unravelling the full scope of the premeditated assassination. The arrest of Amos Barasa Kasili in the Kibera Darajani area has shed more light on the elaborate plot behind the April 30, 2025, fatal shooting that shocked the nation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the operation was intelligence-led and targeted Barasa, who has now been forensically linked to the main suspects in the assassination. He was reportedly captured on surveillance footage trailing the MP’s vehicle moments before the deadly attack near Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
According to investigators, Barasa operated as the motorcycle rider who played a critical role in the operation. Riding a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle bearing registration number KMFZ 413W, Barasa not only ferried the assailants who trailed Hon. Were but also served as their getaway vehicle after the shooting. The motorcycle has since been recovered and is in police custody.
“The motorcycle matches the one seen on CCTV trailing the MP’s car. It was a crucial piece of evidence that led us to Barasa,” a senior detective involved in the probe told reporters.
Barasa’s criminal profile paints a grim picture. While he masqueraded as a regular boda boda rider, authorities say he is a seasoned criminal with ties to several armed gangs operating in Nairobi and its environs. His past includes a stint at the Industrial Area Prison, where he allegedly came into contact with some of the key players in the assassination plot.
Upon arrest, Barasa reportedly admitted his role in the operation during police interrogation. He disclosed that he had been hired by the primary suspects and was paid Ksh. 50,000 to facilitate the execution of the plot. Investigators believe that Barasa’s familiarity with Nairobi’s routes made him an ideal accomplice for the gang.
“Barasa is not just a boda boda rider; he is a known associate of armed criminal elements. His arrest is a significant step forward in ensuring that all involved in Hon. Were’s murder face justice,” the DCI stated.
This latest arrest follows the earlier apprehension of the main suspects who are believed to have executed the shooting. Authorities now believe that the murder was well-coordinated, with each actor playing a specific role—ranging from intelligence gathering to transportation and the actual hit.
The motive behind the killing is still under investigation, but early leads point to political rivalry and organized crime. Detectives are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests as forensic experts continue to comb through evidence, including phone records, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies.
Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were was gunned down in broad daylight on April 30 near Parliament Buildings, sparking outrage across the country. His death triggered national mourning, with leaders from across the political divide calling for swift justice.
Barasa is currently being processed for arraignment. Police say they are pursuing other individuals who may have had a hand in financing or coordinating the killing.
The arrest underscores the DCI’s resolve to bring all those involved to book and serves as a stern warning to criminal gangs operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.
As the nation awaits the next steps in the judicial process, one thing remains clear: the dragnet is tightening, and justice for the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were is inching closer to being fully served.
