DCI have identified suspects in Kasipul MP Charles Were's assassination - PS Omollo

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has confirmed that key suspects in the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, have been identified, with investigations into the killing still underway.

Speaking in Rangwe Constituency on Saturday, Dr. Omollo assured the public that those responsible for the MP’s death would be held accountable and face the full force of the law.

"We lost one of our elected members of parliament, the MP for Kasipul constituency, Ong'ondo Were, under very unfortunate circumstances. As we speak today, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has provided an update. They have narrowed down the suspects who may have pulled the trigger," Dr Omollo said, emphasising that justice will be served in due course.

“In due course, those suspects and their accomplices will face the full force of law,” he added.

Omollo expressed his condolences and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring those behind the assassination are held accountable.

The PS also addressed the broader issue of political violence in the region, particularly in Homa Bay County, which has gained a reputation for politically motivated violence.

He urged leaders at all levels, both elected and non-elected, to take a stand against violence and work towards peaceful, constructive political engagement.

"Homa Bay County has had a long-standing reputation for political violence," Dr Omollo said.

"I urge all leaders, whether elected or not, to take responsibility for maintaining peace and engaging in respectful, constructive dialogue. Even when we disagree, we must do so respectfully, without resorting to violence."

Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary, State Department for Internal Security says police are actively pursuing those behind the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. He assured the public that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is working diligently to bring those… pic.twitter.com/t2oDkzOEjD

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) May 4, 2025

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, in an emotional address to the mourners, appeared to suggest that the government was behind the killings.

"Conceal truth"

She alleged that a deliberate effort had been underway to conceal the truth behind the murder of MP Ong’ondo Were, whose shooting on April 30 had shocked the nation.

Governor Wanga claimed that a well-funded and coordinated disinformation campaign had been used to divert attention from the circumstances surrounding the killing. She also suggested that those behind the murder had exploited social media to distort public perception of the MP.

“I want to say it here: the disinformation that has flooded social media is no coincidence. It is well-orchestrated, mobilised, and funded — and the aim is to cover up the murder of Were,” she said.

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The governor directed blame at the police, questioning why no action had been taken despite the late MP having filed formal reports about threats to his life.

She revealed that Were had reached out directly to the Inspector General of Police before his death, expressing fears for his safety.

“Numerous times, Were reported that his life was in danger. I know that he even wrote to the Inspector General of Police, and I want him to tell us what action, if any, was taken,” Wanga said.

She demanded accountability from the authorities and called for a thorough investigation into both the murder and the events leading up to it. She expressed outrage over the manner of the MP’s death, describing it as inhumane and shameful.

“We will not take this lying down. We have counted one too many. Were was killed like a chicken, humiliated like a thief, yet he never stole from anyone. We don’t want stories or cover-ups,” she added.