Tragedy struck on Wednesday evening as Kasipul Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, was gunned down in a brazen attack near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m., sending shockwaves across the country and sparking an outpouring of grief and condemnation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the legislator was ambushed by two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle. According to initial accounts, one of the attackers disembarked from the motorcycle, approached the MP’s vehicle, and opened fire at close range, fatally injuring the lawmaker. The assailants then fled the scene on the motorbike, disappearing into the night before authorities could respond.
Fortunately, the MP’s driver, who was also in the vehicle at the time of the attack, emerged unharmed.
In the wake of the assassination, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued a strong statement condemning the killing. He described the incident as a “cowardly and callous act” that has deprived the nation of a committed and hardworking public servant. Speaker Wetang’ula further called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and a full investigation is currently underway. Security agencies have cordoned off the area as forensic experts comb the scene for evidence.
Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were was serving his second term in Parliament and was known for his advocacy on education and infrastructure development in his constituency. His death marks a dark day in Kenyan politics and raises renewed concerns over the safety and security of public officials.
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