Gunmen who assassinated Kasipul Kabondo MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on Wednesday night used the element of surprise, catching the MP’s bodyguard off guard and unable to react in time.

And as the police also confirmed that the killing was a planned and well-executed attack, it emerged that the MP had been living on borrowed time after he had complained of threats to his life. 

According to the armed bodyguard, who was seated in the back seat during the ambush, the suddenness of the attack left him disoriented and unable to respond immediately.

“It took just seconds for us to realize what had happened. By then, the gunman and his accomplice had fled the scene,” he said.

The attackers, who used a motorcycle, gained a tactical advantage, escaping swiftly and avoiding traffic congestion—motorbikes being fast, manoeuvrable, and difficult to trace.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when Were’s white Toyota Crown (registration KDM 783A) stopped at a red light on Ngong Road near the City Mortuary roundabout.

Motorcycle riders

Witnesses said two men on a motorcycle pulled up beside the vehicle, having apparently been trailing it.

“The pillion passenger walked up to the car and opened fire on the passenger side before jumping back onto the bike and speeding off. The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and premeditated,” said police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

Neither the driver nor the bodyguard was injured. They rushed the MP to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police confirmed the attack appeared to be targeted and premeditated. Investigations are underway, led by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

“The National Police Service condemns this heinous crime and will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice,” said Muchiri.

President William Ruto also condemned the murder, urging a thorough investigation and accountability for the perpetrators. “Those responsible must face justice,” he stated.

The bodyguard told investigators that upon spotting the assailant’s pistol and hearing gunshots, he froze and could not return fire.

Bullets lodged in body

Police reports indicated that Were, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was shot four to five times. Two bullets were lodged in his body, while the others passed through his chest. Investigators believe the attackers had prior knowledge of Were’s recent vehicle change, made for security reasons.

Were and his team had left Parliament around 6:30 p.m., navigating through heavy traffic towards Ngong Road.

At the scene, the gunman dismounted and fired through the co-driver’s window as the MP, distracted by a phone call, was caught off guard. The bullet first hit his hand, followed by several more rounds. The area, located near Nairobi Hospital and the Kenya Medical Training College, is under surveillance, and security footage is expected to aid the investigation.

Senior government officials—including the Internal Security Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo Inspector General Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, and Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah—visited the hospital soon after the shooting.

“Our multi-agency teams are following all leads to apprehend the perpetrators,” said PS Omollo.

The ODM party, which sponsored Were’s 2022 parliamentary bid, confirmed he had spent most of the day in Parliament before leaving in the evening. Party leader Raila Odinga demanded swift investigations.

“Hon Charles Ong’ondo Were has been killed in cold blood. Rest in Peace, Hon Sir Charles,” he said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula mourned Were, who was serving his second term.

“This cowardly act has robbed the nation of a dedicated legislator and advocate for democracy,” he said, calling for rigorous investigations. He added that Parliament would stay engaged and support the bereaved family.

Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo suggested that Were’s murder may be politically motivated, revealing that the MP had reported threats to his life two months earlier.

 “The person responsible is known. There’s rising violence in Homa Bay politics that must be addressed,” she said.

Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo described Were as hardworking and loyal. She noted he appeared distracted the night of his death and regretted not getting a chance to speak with him.

Were had previously accused outsiders of inciting violence at public events in his constituency.

He had recounted a recent incident where thugs disrupted a funeral in Nyatindo East Kamagak and criticized local security officials for inaction.

In a separate controversy, some Homa Bay leaders and residents have accused the MP of sponsoring violent gangs in the area.

 During the burial of Evans Okoda—killed in May last year—Odoyo Owidi alleged that Were was linked to his death.

Okoda, formerly Evans Kidero’s bodyguard, was murdered in a gruesome attack involving mutilation.

Owidi claimed, “Many people have been maimed or killed because of Ong’ondo Were.” By Zadock Angira and Kepher Otieno, People Daily