Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were Shot Dead in Nairobi in Apparent Assassination

Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was tragically shot and killed on the evening of April 30, 2025, near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 PM, has sent shockwaves across the country, sparking grief, anger, and calls for justice.

According to eyewitnesses, the MP was in his white Toyota Crown when two assailants on a motorcycle pulled up beside his vehicle as he waited at a traffic light. One of the gunmen dismounted and fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the scene. Ong’ondo’s driver and a bodyguard were uninjured, and he was rushed to Nairobi Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities have described the murder as a premeditated attack, fuelling speculation about the motive. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched a probe, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness testimonies.

Charles Ong’ondo Were: A Life of Service Cut Short

Charles Ong’ondo Were, a two-term MP under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is known for his advocacy for education, infrastructure development, and healthcare access in Homa Bay County. His death has left his constituents reeling.

“He was a man of the people, always reachable, always walking with us in the market or church,” said Mary Achieng, a trader in Oyugis town. “This is a cruel blow.”

Political Leaders Condemn the Killing

Leaders across the political divide condemned the assassination and called for swift action.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga mourned him in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“We have lost a gallant son of the soil! Hon Charles Ong’ondo Were is no more; mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin in Nairobi this evening. Rest in Peace Hon Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were! Dhi gi kwe Ogai ma Milamb.”

President William Ruto also expressed his condolences, stating:

“May God grant the family and the people of Kasipul strength to bear with the loss of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were. We urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. Those responsible must be held to account.”

ODM MP Junet Mohammed described him as “an honest, hardworking man who loved his people deeply.”

Shock and Outrage on Social Media

Kenyans took to social media in large numbers to express their sadness and anger over the killing.

One user, @wanjiru_ke, posted:

“Another life lost to bullets. When will this end? We can’t keep burying leaders and saying ‘justice must be served’ while nothing changes.”

Another X user, @OmondiWrites, wrote:

“Charles Ong’ondo may not have been a big name nationally, but in Kasipul, he was a hero. We are tired of leaders dying violently without answers.”

A Dedicated Public Servant – Charles Ong’ondo Were

Charles Ong’ondo Were was a respected figure in Kenyan politics, representing the Kasipul constituency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Re-elected in 2022, his commitment to his constituents and active participation in parliamentary proceedings. His untimely death has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, with colleagues and leaders expressing their grief and condemnation of the heinous act.​

Opposition leader Raila Odinga mourned Were as a “gallant son of the soil,” highlighting his dedication to public service. President William Ruto is calling for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that those responsible must be accountable.​

Ongoing Investigations

As authorities delve into the circumstances surrounding the assassination, questions arise regarding the motive behind the attack. While political assassinations are rare in Kenya, the targeted nature of this incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials and the need for enhanced security measures.​

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is leading the probe, with Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda stating that there are no arrests so far. A review of eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage are ongoing to identify the assailants and bring them to justice.

A Nation Demands Answers

As the investigation continues, Kenyans are demanding not just justice for Ong’ondo Were. Additionally, re-evaluation of the security of public officials and everyday citizens alike.

The late MP has a wife and three children. Funeral arrangements are underway, with calls for a public memorial ongoing by constituents.

His death marks a tragic chapter in Kenya’s political history and a reminder of the fragility of life in the face of growing insecurity. As the nation mourns, many hope that Charles Ong’ondo Were’s legacy will inspire courage, service, and a recommitment to justice.