Nairobi, Kenya — Tuesday, April 30, 2025
A cloud of shock and uncertainty has gripped Kenya’s political landscape following the sudden and brutal killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Ongondo Were. The MP was gunned down in cold blood along Ngong Road in Nairobi earlier today, allegedly by assassins riding a motorbike.
According to reports aired by Citizen TV and confirmed by eyewitnesses, the fatal shooting occurred near the City Mortuary roundabout, a high-traffic area that has now become a scene of chaos and confusion. Hon. Ongondo was reportedly shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
A Well-Planned Hit
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attack was well-orchestrated. The assailants, believed to be two men on a motorbike, approached the MP’s vehicle and opened fire without warning before speeding off. Security agencies, including officers from Kilimani Police Station and the DCI, cordoned off the area as forensic experts began collecting evidence.
“Gunmen on a motorbike pulled up beside the car and fired several shots through the window. It was quick and cold. Then they disappeared into traffic,” a witness recounted.
As of this publication, no arrests have been made. Nairobi police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, while traffic on Ngong Road remains heavily disrupted due to the ongoing investigation.
Controversial Allegations and Rising Tensions
Hon. Ongondo Were’s assassination comes just hours after a controversial social media post from a Facebook group known as “Mitumba Bales – NOTICE BOARD” accused the MP of being behind a string of politically motivated killings in Kasipul constituency. The viral post alleged that the MP had been using Homa Bay County enforcement officers as “goons” to target and eliminate youths aligned with rival political factions.
According to the post, at least 13 young people have allegedly been killed in Kasipul in recent months, with residents accusing law enforcement officers of turning a blind eye. The same post claimed that the residents had vowed to take the law into their own hands if the authorities failed to act.
“The residents have vowed to take law into their hands and nobody will stop them if they decide to revenge,” the post read in part.
While it remains unclear whether today’s shooting is directly linked to these allegations, the timing has raised eyebrows across the country, sparking speculation that the assassination may have been retaliatory.
Political Shockwaves
The news of Hon. Ongondo Were’s death has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political class. Leaders from both sides of the political divide have taken to social media to express their grief and call for calm.
“I am deeply saddened by the murder of my colleague, Hon. Charles Ongondo Were. This is a dark day for our country and a reminder that political differences should never end in bloodshed,” tweeted one member of Parliament.
The Speaker of the National Assembly is expected to make a formal statement later in the day. Meanwhile, security has been heightened in Homa Bay and parts of Nairobi as tensions continue to rise.
A Troubled Legacy
Hon. Ongondo Were’s political career has not been without controversy. While he was known for his fierce rhetoric and passionate support for his constituents, he also faced frequent accusations of using violence to silence dissent. Several opposition politicians and civil society groups have in the past called for investigations into alleged human rights abuses linked to his office.
Despite the allegations, he remained a strong figure in the region and was considered a key player in local power dynamics.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
The police has issued a statement acknowledging the assassination and promising swift action.
“We are pursuing every lead. This act of violence cannot go unpunished. We appeal to members of the public with information to help us bring the perpetrators to justice,” police statement read.
Detectives are also reportedly probing the MP’s recent movements, phone records, and known associates to determine if the killing was politically motivated, criminal in nature, or connected to the string of alleged killings in his constituency.
Calls for Calm and Justice
Religious leaders and civil society groups have urged the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their investigations. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) released a statement condemning the killing and calling on the government to ensure accountability.
“Violence should never be tolerated as a means to resolve political or personal disputes. We call for a transparent investigation into the killing of Hon. Charles Ongondo Were, and for justice to be served swiftly,” the statement read.
What’s Next?
As the nation waits for answers, questions abound about the state of security for elected leaders and the increasing trend of political violence in Kenya. Hon. Ongondo’s assassination will likely reignite debate on the need for political tolerance and reforms in the country’s security and justice systems.
The body of the slain MP has been taken to the City Mortuary for a postmortem. His family, colleagues, and constituents are expected to hold a press briefing later today.
