Kenyan Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were has been shot dead in Nairobi in what police are treating as a suspected assassination. The attack occurred on the streets of the capital, carried out by gunmen riding a motorcycle.
According to police reports, the assailants had been trailing Were’s vehicle before one of them dismounted and shot the MP at close range. The attackers then fled the scene.
Were, who represented the Kasipul constituency in western Kenya, was a member of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by veteran politician Raila Odinga.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that the nature of the killing appeared both targeted and premeditated.
Local media revealed that the late MP had reported receiving threats on his life just two months ago.
Following the shooting, Were’s driver and bodyguard—both unharmed—rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The killing has sparked shock and outrage across the political spectrum. Fellow legislators who visited the scene called for swift investigations and justice.
Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetang’ula mourned Were as a “fearless and distinguished legislator,” describing the incident as devastating.
ODM leader Raila Odinga also condemned the killing, saying the constituency had lost “a gallant son of the soil.”
