Charles Ong'ondo Were: Education, Career Profile of ODM MP Shot Dead in Nairobi
- Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot dead near City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi on April 30, sparking national outrage and calls for justice
- Were rose from humble beginnings to earn multiple academic qualifications, including a master’s degree in Procurement and Supplies from Mt. Kenya University
- Before joining politics in 2017, he held top executive roles in various companies and served as a two-term ODM MP until his untimely death
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
The late Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo's name was thrust into the national spotlight after his shocking and brutal murder on Wednesday, April 30, a tragedy that has left the country stunned and demanding answers.
Source: Facebook
The MP, a staunch member of the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman on a motorcycle around 7.30pm near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road.
What is Charles Ong'ondo Were's educational background?
The late began his education at Karabok Primary School, attending from 1976 to 1982, before enrolling at Oyugis Secondary School, where he completed his secondary studies in 1986.
In 2012, he pursued a certificate course at Meru University, which he completed the following year. He then joined Mt. Kenya University in 2013 to study for a diploma in Business Management, completing it in 2014.
Determined to advance his education, Were went on to earn a degree in Business Management at the same university between 2015 and 2017.
After a year-long academic break, the MP resumed his studies at Mt. Kenya University in 2019, where he enrolled for a master’s degree in Procurement and Supplies.
What is Charles Were Ong'ondo's career background?
Were held executive roles in several companies, a career path that appeared to lay the groundwork for his entry into politics.
Source: Facebook
Between 2003 and 2022, he served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Victoria Cleaning Services. He also led Metrookam Properties Limited as CEO from 2006 to 2012. From 2014 until 2022, he headed Benga Group Holding Limited in the same capacity.
His political career began in 2017 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Kasipul constituency. He secured re-election in 2022 on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket.
During his time in Parliament, he served on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation. He appears to have stepped away from his corporate leadership roles after his re-election in 2022.
What was Charles Ongo'ndo's last conversation with MP Amisi?
In a separate incident, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recounted his final conversation with Were, revealing that the late legislator had confided in him about personal struggles but had promised to discuss them further at a later time.
In an effort to clarify the circumstances surrounding Were's death, Interior PS Raymond Omollo stated that the MP left Parliament at approximately 7pm and was shot around 30 minutes later.
Omollo assured a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to identify the assailants and determine the motive behind the murder.
The identity of the killer remains unclear, though the MP's driver and bodyguard reportedly transported him to Nairobi Hospital. It is believed the attacker had been following the vehicle from the city. Omollo also conveyed President William Ruto's condolences.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
