Kenyan Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead in Nairobi on Wednesday in what police described as a “targeted and predetermined” attack. The opposition legislator was killed by gunmen on a motorcycle who had been trailing his vehicle before one assailant dismounted and shot him at close range.
“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement. Local media reported that Were had complained about threats to his life two months before the attack.
The shooting occurred near a busy roundabout frequently monitored by traffic police and equipped with security cameras. Though critically wounded, Were was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by his uninjured driver and bodyguard but was pronounced dead on arrival.
President William Ruto has ordered a thorough investigation, stating that “those responsible must be held to account.” Senior police commanders and detectives have already visited the scene and launched an investigation.
Were represented the Kasipul constituency in western Kenya as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by veteran politician Raila Odinga. In a statement, Odinga condemned the killing, saying the legislator was “mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin.”
“We have lost a gallant son of the soil!” Odinga added.
Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Were as a “fearless and distinguished” legislator, calling his shooting “devastating.” Fellow lawmakers expressed shock and outrage, demanding swift investigations and justice.
The killing occurs in a complex political context. Odinga lost to President Ruto in the 2022 election and initially rejected the results due to alleged irregularities. However, the opposition leader later struck a political deal with Ruto that brought some opposition members into the cabinet in what is referred to as the “broad-based government.”
The assassination has raised concerns about political violence in Kenya as investigations continue.