Ong'ondo Were: DCI Closes In on Potential Suspects in MP's Murder, Announces Date for Autopsy
- The DCI has suggested that it will soon catch up with the killers of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were
- The state investigative body said that its specialised detectives and forensic experts had collected crucial leads that helped them narrow down the suspects
- Ong'ondo was felled by bullets while in his car on Nairobi's Ngong Road; he was on his way home from Parliament Buildings when his attackers ended his life
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The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced significant progress in the probe into the gunshot killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were.
Source: Getty Images
Detectives released a statement to the public on May 2, three days into the lawmaker's fatal shooting.
What is the progress of probe into Ong'ondo Were's murder?
Specialised state detectives and forensic experts documented the scene at the City Mortuary Roundabout on Thursday, May 1.
In the course of their preliminary probe, the DCI sleuths collected the accounts of the tragic event from Ong'ondo's driver and bodyguard, both of whom escaped the scene unharmed.
The investigators also interrogated the attendant at the M-Pesa outlet where the MP made his first stop before being driven to his death.
In its update, the country's topmost investigations body told the public that the leads collected this far had helped in closing in on the prime suspects of the murder.
"Detectives have forensically reconstructed Hon. Were's movements from Parliament to the location of the shooting. This detailed analysis has yielded significant leads, enabling investigators to narrow down to potential suspects," the DCI said.
When will Ongo'ndo Were's autopsy be done?
The agency restated that the MP's shooting was preplanned; the motive, however, remains unclear.
The DCI revealed that a postmortem had been scheduled for Monday, May 5.
Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor will preside over the exercise.
Besides, the DCI sent its team to Were's native constituency to undertake a parallel probe.
Some quarters alleged the MP's death emanated from toxic politics in his constituency and the adjoining ones.
In the meanwhile, the DCI appealed to the public to volunteer any relevant information that would bolster the probe.
"We appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or use our toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203). The DCI assures the public of its unwavering dedication to resolving this case and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses," the DCI said.
As earlier filed by TUKO.co.ke, Ong'ondo seemed to have been targeted, as his assailants followed him from the time he left the Parliament Building to the location where he was attacked.
Detectives are focused on a key suspect—a man in a hooded jacket who rode as a passenger on a sports bike.
How Ong'ondo Were encountered his killer
Surveillance cameras in the city captured his movements.
The MP exited the legislature shortly after 7 pm and headed to an M-Pesa outlet.
His bodyguard entered the shop to deposit KSh 20,000 into the MP’s phone.
Source: Getty Images
CCTV footage showed the motorbike stopping nearby, closely monitoring the vehicle. The passenger appeared to be watching the lawmaker’s car attentively.
The MP’s vehicle initially took Wabera Street toward Kenyatta Avenue but changed its route to bypass traffic congestion.
City surveillance cameras consistently recorded the bike following the vehicle at close range.
At the City Mortuary roundabout, the MP's car stopped at a red light.
At that moment, the suspected assassin dismounted from the bike and approached the MP’s vehicle.
He fired multiple shots, shattering the window where the MP sat.
The lawmaker sustained chest injuries and began bleeding heavily; his bodyguard, caught off guard, quickly exited the vehicle to pursue the attackers, but they had already fled the scene.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
