Kenyan MP Charles Ong’ondo Were Assassinated in Nairobi

Charles Ong’ondo Were, a Kenyan opposition Member of Parliament, was shot dead in a targeted attack on the night of April 30 in Nairobi. The assailants, riding a motorcycle, trailed his vehicle before one of them dismounted and fired at close range.

Police describe the killing as a “targeted and predetermined” act. Although his driver and bodyguard escaped unharmed and rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, Were was declared dead on arrival.

The assassination occurred along the busy Ngong Road, a high-security area equipped with traffic cameras. Forensic experts have since examined his vehicle, while top police officials and homicide detectives visited the scene. President William Ruto has ordered a full investigation, promising that “those responsible must be held to account.”

Were, who represented the Kasipul constituency and was a second-term MP under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), had previously reported threats to his life. In February, he warned of a plot to assassinate him, linking it to local political unrest in his constituency.

Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called the killing “devastating,” describing Were as a fearless and dedicated lawmaker. ODM leader Raila Odinga condemned the attack, saying Were was “mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin,” and hailed him as “a gallant son of the soil.”

Were supported the recent political reconciliation between Odinga and Ruto that led to a broad-based government.