Kenyan MP Charles Ong'ondo Were Assassinated in Nairobi Attack

In a tragic event, Kenyan MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was fatally shot in Nairobi, heightening calls for justice and security reform.

In a harrowing incident that shook the nation, Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of Kenya's parliament, was shot dead in Nairobi by assailants on a motorcycle, identified as a suspected assassination. Momentarily trailing Were's vehicle, one of the gunmen exited the motorcycle and fired at close range, striking the MP before fleeing the scene. According to police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, "The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined." Notably, Were had reported receiving death threats just two months prior to the attack, according to local media sources.

The tragic shooting unfolded late Wednesday along Ngong Road, an area typically monitored by traffic police and equipped with security cameras. Although Were's driver and bodyguard were unharmed, they managed to rush him to Nairobi Hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

In response to this shocking incident, President William Ruto has called for a comprehensive investigation into the case, insisting that those responsible for the MP's assassination must be brought to justice.

Fellow parliamentarians who visited the scene expressed their outrage and sorrow over the incident, calling for swift action from law enforcement. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang'ula described Were as a "fearless and distinguished" member of the legislature and lamented the tragic loss of such a dedicated public servant.

Were represented the Kasipul constituency for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga. In a statement, Odinga condemned the brutal killing of his fellow party member, describing Were’s assassination as an act of "cold-blooded" execution and expressing sorrow over the loss of a "gallant son of the soil."

As Kenya grapples with this violent tragedy, the incident raises significant concerns about political safety and security measures in the capital.