Charles Ong'ondo Were: Kasipul MP Shot Dead in Nairobi

• Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot dead on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi
• Eyewitnesses reported that two unknown gunmen on a motorcycle targeted the lawmaker, with one assailant shooting him at close range
• The MP, affiliated with the Raila Odinga-led ODM party, was the only one harmed in the attack, as his driver was left unhurt

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were tragically passed away on Wednesday, April 30, leaving many in shock and mourning.

How did Charles Ong'ondo Were die?

According to eyewitnesses, the lawmaker, who was affiliated with the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was reportedly shot by unknown gunmen who were riding on a motorcycle.

Were was shot and killed at around 7:30 pm near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.

Witnesses said two attackers on a motorcycle approached the lawmaker, with one of them getting off and shooting him at close range, fatally wounding him.

The attackers appeared to have targeted the lawmaker specifically, as his driver escaped unharmed.

The legislator was rushed to Nairobi Hospital in an attempt to save his life, but was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.

The ODM party revealed that Were had spent much of Wednesday engaged in parliamentary business, leaving the chambers at 6:15pm—just over an hour before his tragic death.

Kenyan leaders have begun sharing emotional tributes following news of his death, offering condolences to the bereaved family.

How did Kenyan leaders mourn MP Charles Ong'ondo Were?

Health CS Aden Duale:

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Hon. Charles Ong'ondo Were, the MP for Kasipul. Those who planned and executed this heinous crime must face the full force of the law. Such brutality has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. To his family, friends and the people of Kasipul, I extend my heartfelt condolences."

ODM Party:

" We have received with shock and disbelief the tragic death of the Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were-MP Kasipul at the hands of a gunman along Ngong road, Nairobi this evening."

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya:

"Received very shocking news from Nairobi: that the Hon. Charles Ong'ondo Were, who was the MP for Kasipul Kabondo, has reportedly been gunned down on Ngong Road. This is a dark day. My heart goes out to his family and constituents. This is a barbaric act! Attacking leaders is an attack on our democracy! Police—act fast! Bring those behind the killing to book! Rest in peace, Hon. Were."

Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka:

"On behalf of the people of Khwisero, my family, and I, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of my colleague ;Kasipul MP, Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were following his tragic demise."

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi:

Fare thee well, my Brother, Sir Charles Ong'ondo Were. We're all visitors in this World.

Water PS Julius Korir said:

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I have received the news of the untimely passing of Hon. Charles Ongondo Were, Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency and a dedicated member of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation.

Hon. Ongondo Was a passionate advocate for equitable access to water and sustainable development in our sector. His contributions in Parliament and within the committee were marked by commitment, clarity of vision, and a genuine desire to uplift the lives of the people he served. His voice and leadership will be profoundly missed not only in the House but also across the entire water and sanitation sector.

Former Kimilili MP dies while receiving treatment

Were's death follows that of former Kimilili MP Suleiman Murunga, who passed away in Nairobi while receiving medical treatment.

Murunga, who passed away on October 30, 2024, served as the MP for Kimilili from 2013 to 2017 under the Ford Kenya Party.

National leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, with whom Murunga had a close working relationship in the party, expressed their condolences on social media.

Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics updated this article with details from CS Aden Duale and Opiyo Wandayi

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke