Kenyan lawmaker Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead on Wednesday night in Nairobi in what police believe was a targeted assassination. The attackers, reportedly riding a motorcycle, had been following the MP’s vehicle before one of them alighted and fired at close range.
“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” said police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga in a statement.
Were, who represented the Kasipul constituency in western Kenya under the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), had previously raised concerns about threats to his life, according to local media reports.
Despite efforts by his driver and bodyguard to rush him to Nairobi Hospital after the attack on Ngong Road, the second-term legislator was pronounced dead on arrival. Neither the driver nor the bodyguard was injured.
The shooting occurred near a heavily monitored roundabout in the city, usually manned by traffic police and equipped with surveillance cameras. Senior police officials and detectives quickly arrived at the scene, and an investigation is now underway.
President William Ruto has condemned the killing and ordered a comprehensive probe. “Those responsible must be held to account,” he said.
Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called the killing “devastating” and described Were as a “fearless and distinguished” lawmaker. Fellow MPs expressed shock and outrage, demanding swift justice.
Veteran politician and ODM leader Raila Odinga also mourned the loss, saying, “We have lost a gallant son of the soil!” He condemned the murder as a cold-blooded assassination.
Were’s killing comes amid shifting political alliances in Kenya, with Odinga recently entering a political agreement with President Ruto that has led to some opposition figures joining the cabinet in a “broad-based government.”
