By Our Reporter
Kenya: The nation is in mourning following the tragic killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was fatally shot on Wednesday evening near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Eyewitnesses report that two armed assailants on a motorcycle ambushed the legislator around 7:30 pm. One of them dismounted, approached Were’s vehicle, and fired at close range before fleeing the scene. His driver, who was also in the car, escaped unharmed. The MP was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The motive behind the assassination remains unclear, and no arrests have been made as police investigations continue.
The news has sparked shock, grief, and outrage across Kenya, with political leaders and institutions condemning the act and eulogising the late MP as a committed public servant and fearless advocate for his people.
Speaker Wetang’ula Leads National Condemnation
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led tributes to the slain legislator, calling his killing a “cowardly and callous act” that robbed Kenya of a dedicated leader.
“This callous act committed under the cover of night has robbed the nation of a distinguished legislator, a fearless advocate for his constituents, and a champion of democratic ideals,” said Wetang’ula. “The loss of Hon. Were is a tragedy not only to his family and the people of Kasipul but to the entire country.”
He urged investigative agencies to expedite their work and bring the perpetrators to justice while calling on Kenyans to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.
ODM, Cabinet Members, and MPs Speak Out
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), under whose ticket Were served, issued a statement expressing deep shock and sorrow.
“We have received with disbelief the tragic death of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were at the hands of a gunman. He had spent the better part of the day in Parliament and left the precincts at 6:15 pm after concluding official business,” the party said, calling for swift and thorough investigations.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also mourned the MP, describing him as a passionate advocate for his people and demanding that those behind the killing be brought to justice.
“This heinous crime must be condemned in the strongest terms. Hon. Were’s service was not in vain—his legacy will endure,” Duale said.
Several Members of Parliament shared personal tributes. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recalled speaking to Were just hours before the incident:
“He told me, ‘I need a conversation with you, mambo si mazuri.’ Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking.”
Butere MP Tindi Mwale expressed disbelief, while Mumias East MP Peter Salasya decried the act as a direct attack on democracy.
“This is a barbaric act. Attacking our leaders is attacking the very core of our democracy. Let justice be swift and thorough,” Salasya stated.
Boda Boda Sector Distances Itself
The Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) issued a strong condemnation of the incident, expressing solidarity with the family and constituents of the late MP. The group also distanced the wider bodaboda community from the crime, which involved a motorcycle getaway.
“Such actions endanger innocent lives and tarnish the reputation of thousands of hardworking riders across the country,” said BAK, reaffirming its commitment to safety and lawfulness in the transport sector.
The association urged the public not to generalise the incident and pledged to collaborate with authorities to root out rogue elements from within their ranks.
As the country mourns, pressure mounts on security agencies to swiftly apprehend the assailants and ensure justice for Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, a man remembered for his integrity, passion, and unyielding dedication to the people of Kasipul.
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