Kenyan Newspapers Review: Charles Ong'ondo Were's Bodyguard Narrates MP's Quick Hit by Assassin
On Friday, May 2, the Kenyan newspapers widely delved into the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong'ondo Were.
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The dailies also reported on the looming taxes on sugarcane, milk, and medicine, which could further raise the cost of living for Kenyans.
Source: UGC
1. People Daily
On Wednesday, April 30, a gunman exploited the element of surprise to kill Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong'ondo, leaving the lawmaker's bodyguard unprepared and unable to respond in time.
It was revealed that the MP had been living on borrowed time after he had complained of threats to his life, even as authorities maintained that the killing was a well-planned and conducted attack.
According to the MP's armed bodyguard, who was in the back seat during the ambush, the attack was so abrupt that he was confused and unable to react right away.
"It took just seconds for us to realise what had happened. By then, the gunman and his accomplice had fled the scene," he narrated.
Using a motorcycle gave the attackers a tactical edge as they were able to flee quickly and avoid traffic jams.
The incident occurred at 7.30pm when Were's white Toyota Crown (registered KDM 783A) stopped at a red light on Ngong Road close to the City Mortuary junction.
According to the police, the MP sat next to the driver and was shot four or five times. One bullet went through his chest, while the other two were embedded in his body.
Investigators disclosed that the attackers were aware that he had recently changed his car for security reasons.
2. Daily Nation
Farmers and healthcare providers are among those who will suffer if the National Treasury's new proposal to impose a 16% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on some items is approved.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has suggested removing inputs and raw materials used in the production of medications and animal feed, as well as in the transportation of sugarcane, from the list of items that are zero-rated through the Finance Bill 2025.
Also removed from the zero-rated list are the assembly and manufacture of mobile phones.
VAT is applied to zero-rated items at a rate of 0%. This indicates that they are technically taxable supplies as opposed to VAT-exempt goods.
However, the Treasury has removed these products from the zero-rated schedule in the proposed bill, so if it becomes law, suppliers will pass the increased costs to consumers.
The CS also proposed to introduce 16% VAT on electric buses, which could deal a blow to e-mobility.
3. The Standard
The announcement of a new internship recruitment by President William Ruto in January 2026 will give unemployed teachers a new opportunity to compete for 20,000 job openings.
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Ong'ondo Were: CCTV captures suspect closely observing, trailing Kasipul MP using motorbike
To curb the teacher shortage nationwide, Ruto stated that the government had allocated KSh 2.4 billion to hire new interns.
"In the past two years, we have hired more than 76,000 teachers, and we have already set aside KSh 2.4 billion to hire 20,000 more intern teachers," the head of state revealed during the 2025 Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday, May 1.
The president also disclosed that the government had set aside KSh 1.6 billion for teacher capacity building and KSh 1 billion for promotions.
4. The Star
The family of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were has accused unnamed politicians of being involved in his Wednesday night murder.
The deceased's brothers, Paul Juma, James Were, and Dalmas Otieno, claimed the assassination was planned and accused the police of laxity.
They noted that their brother had independently filed complaints and made statements to the police, indicating the fear for his life.
In his statements to the police, the MP said prominent politicians met at hotels in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties in an attempt to get rid of him.
"Ten well-known individuals were on the MP's list of those planning to assassinate him. Although he reported them to the police, nothing was done to keep him safe," James stated.
5. Taifa Leo
For the first time since his return from the United States (US), former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i is anticipated to make his first visit to his perceived Gusii stronghold today, Friday, May 2.
The former CS has set his eyes on the presidency and aims to challenge Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Matiang'i will address his supporters at roadside rallies, according to a schedule released by his allies.
The rallies will begin at the politician's hometown of Kijauri before passing through the towns of Keroka and Keumbu and ultimately Kisii.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
