Wetang’ula orders urgent probe into Kasipul MP’s killing, demands enhanced security for leaders
Following the killing of the MP, Speaker Wetang’ula said he had instructed the police boss to take swift action and report back to the House.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to immediately investigate the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were and submit the findings to Parliament without delay.
In a statement to the House, Wetang’ula said the Kasipul legislator was shot at close range by two gunmen riding a motorcycle on Ngong Road in Nairobi on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
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“It is with profoundly deep sorrow that I notify the House of the tragic passing on of the Member for Kasipul, the Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, MP. The late member succumbed to injuries that he sustained after being shot at close range by two gunmen, riding on a motorcycle, along Ngong Road this evening, Wednesday, 30th April 2025,” the Speaker said.
Wetang’ula described the late Were as humble, respectful and non-confrontational, and said the nature of the killing pointed to a worrying erosion of values in the country.
“Honourable Members, you will agree with me that the Hon. Ong’ondo Were was indeed an affable, humble and non-confrontational person. The shooting leading to his tragic demise, therefore, highlights the disheartening depreciation of the cardinal virtue of respect for the sanctity of life and degradation of the principles upon which our land is founded,” he said.
Following the killing, Wetang’ula said he had instructed the police boss to take swift action and report back to the House.
“In this regard, Honourable Members, I have since instructed the Inspector General of Police to expeditiously but thoroughly investigate the incident and report the findings to the House immediately, through my Office,” Wetang’ula told MPs.
He also called for improved protection for leaders and all Kenyans.
“Further, the Inspector General of Police is required to enhance the security of all Kenyans, especially the security of our national leaders,” he said.
Until his death, Were was serving his second term in the National Assembly. He was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
He was a member of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation, and the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity.
Wetang’ula said Parliament had lost a dedicated servant and assured the House that details on funeral arrangements would be shared in due course.
“Honourable Members, on behalf of all Members of the National Assembly, the entire Parliamentary fraternity, and indeed on my own behalf, I take this early opportunity to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Hon. Charles Ong’ondi Were, the people of Kasipul Constituency and all his relatives and friends for losing such a gallant leader,” he said.
“Finally, I will be providing additional information and further guidance, including on funeral arrangements for our departed colleague, as the matter unfolds,” Wetang’ula said.
Were’s death comes just three months after he raised concerns over his security.
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