Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has disclosed that preliminary investigations into the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were suggest a chilling betrayal by individuals close to the legislator.
Speaking during a security forum in Meru Town on Wednesday, Murkomen described the findings as “shocking,” hinting that those tasked with protecting the MP may have orchestrated his killing.
MP Were was fatally shot on April 30, 2025, near Nairobi’s City Mortuary roundabout in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The 48-year-old legislator, known for his vocal advocacy on local development issues, was ambushed in a brazen daylight assault that has sent shockwaves across Kenya.
“It is deeply disturbing to learn that this heinous crime was carried out with such audacity by individuals who should have ensured the MP’s safety,” Murkomen said. “We have made significant progress in apprehending the perpetrators and their accomplices, and justice will be served.”
Six suspects have been arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with the murder. The latest arrests, announced this week, involve Edwin Oduor Odhiambo, alias Abdul Rashid, and Dennis Sewe Munyasi. A raid on Odhiambo’s residence yielded two firearms—a Retay Falcon and a Sarsilmaz pistol—along with nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a bag, and shoes matching those worn by a suspect during the shooting. These items are undergoing forensic analysis.
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Earlier, four other suspects—William Imoli Shighali, alias Omar Shakur, Douglas Muchiri Wambugu, David Mihigo, and a fourth unnamed individual—were detained and presented at the JKIA Law Courts. Magistrate Irene Gichobi granted prosecutors 30 days to finalize investigations, as no formal charges have been filed yet.
Investigators allege that Imoli fired the fatal shots. CCTV footage reportedly shows him trailing Were while carrying a bag believed to have concealed the murder weapon. A search at a residence linked to a suspect named Hikal uncovered a suspected getaway car, police uniforms, ammunition, tear gas canisters, over $4,800 in cash, and multiple mobile phones. Police boots allegedly worn during the attack were also recovered.
The DCI believes the assassination was orchestrated by a well-funded criminal syndicate, possibly involving a rogue police officer who coordinated the attack using a phone line registered under a false identity. A boda boda (motorcycle taxi) rider suspected of aiding the suspects’ escape remains at large, with operations ongoing in Homa Bay and other regions.
A postmortem by government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor confirmed that Were succumbed to excessive internal bleeding after sustaining five gunshot wounds to the chest. The precision and planning of the attack have raised concerns about the security of public officials in Kenya.
While the official narrative points to a targeted assassination, some unverified reports circulating on social media platforms like X suggest the killing may be linked to political rivalries or local disputes in Were’s Kasipul constituency.
These claims allege that the MP’s advocacy for transparency in constituency funds may have made him a target. However, no credible evidence supports these theories, and the DCI has not commented on them. International observers note that Kenya’s history of political violence, including the 2017 murder of election official Chris Msando, fuels speculation about deeper motives, but investigations remain focused on the criminal network.
Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, vowing that those responsible will face severe consequences. “This case will serve as a warning to anyone who believes they can evade the law,” he said.
The DCI has appealed for public cooperation, urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or use toll-free lines 999, 112, or the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline (0800 722 203). The late MP’s family has been praised for their support in the investigation.
The assassination has drawn attention to the challenges of political stability and security in Kenya, a key East African ally in counterterrorism and regional diplomacy. With national elections looming in 2027, the killing underscores the need for stronger protections for public officials. The international community, including human rights organisations, has called for a transparent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent further violence.
As Kenya grapples with this tragedy, the case of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were remains a stark reminder of the risks faced by those in public service. Authorities have pledged to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
