MP Ong'ondo Were's Shooting Was Targeted and Premeditated, Police Say in Detailed Account
- Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot dead in Nairobi after assailants on a motorcycle ambushed his vehicle near the City Mortuary roundabout
- Police said the killing was not random but a well-planned and targeted assassination, with investigations now underway
- Detectives are collecting evidence and reviewing eyewitness accounts from the scene to apprehend the perpetrators
- Police condemned the brutal murder, urging members of the public with any information to come forward through nearest police station or official DCI channels
TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A deadly ambush at a Nairobi traffic stop has left the nation in shock after Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was fatally shot in what police have described as a targeted killing.
Source: UGC
In a press statement issued Wednesday, April 30 evening, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the tragic incident, saying it occurred at around 7:30 pm and was reported by the Nairobi regional police commander.
According to the police, the MP was driving along Ngong Road in a white Toyota Crown when he stopped at a red traffic light near the City Mortuary roundabout. It was at this point that the fatal attack occurred.
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“Eyewitnesses reported that a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger pulled up beside the vehicle,” the statement read. “The pillion passenger approached the car and fired multiple shots at the front passenger before jumping back onto the motorcycle. The assailants then sped off.”
The police further noted that the vehicle’s driver and a male passenger, both unharmed, quickly rushed the injured MP to Nairobi Hospital.
Unfortunately, doctors at the facility pronounced him dead on arrival.
“Further details gathered at the hospital confirmed the deceased as Charles Ong'ondo Were, the sitting member of Parliament for Kasipul constituency,” the NPS said.
Who killed Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were?
According to the police, initial investigations suggest the attack was both deliberate and carefully planned.
Senior police commanders and detectives have since secured the scene and launched a probe to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the assassination.
“It is too early to release additional details, but we want to assure the public that no stone will be left unturned,” the police added. “The NPS condemns this heinous and senseless crime in the strongest terms possible. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, his parliamentary colleagues, constituents, and close associates.”
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo claimed the killing of Were was politically instigated and urged investigators to go after the people he had mentioned in his public addresses.
Gogo, who disclosed Were was his brother-in-law, claimed the MP had been a target for execution for a long time and had reported the matter to the police severally.
Authorities appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
Witnesses were urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) via the toll-free number 0800 722 203.
Call for speedy investigation
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and DCI boss Amin Mohamed, who visited the scene of crime moments after the shooting was reported, assured the public of a thorough and speedy investigation into the matter.
On Thursday, May 1, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that investigations were already underway.
Following the shooting to death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were last evening, the Inspector General of Police has assured me that investigations have advanced.
I urge the investigative agencies to move with speed and thoroughness and bring those involved to book.
I once again send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon Were, the people of Kasipul and the nation at large for this tragic loss, said Murkomen.
Source: Facebook
Boda Boda association condemns Kasipul MP's murder
In a related story, the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) strongly condemned the murder of the Kasipul lawmaker.
In a statement, BAK distanced the boda boda sector from criminal acts, reaffirming that it is committed to promoting safety and professionalism.
The association called for swift investigations and urged the public not to associate the crime with the entire sector.
The statement emphasised that such violence not only threatens innocent lives but also tarnishes the reputation of thousands of hardworking boda boda riders across the country.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and politics, updated this article with details on the calls speedy investigation
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
