Condolences pour in for Kasipul MP Charles Were shot in Nairobi

Condolences have poured in as leaders across Kenya mourn the sudden death of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was fatally shot on Wednesday evening near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.

According to witnesses, the legislator was attacked by two gunmen on a motorcycle at around 7:30 pm.

One of the assailants reportedly disembarked, approached the MP’s vehicle and fired shots at close range before fleeing with his accomplice. The MP’s driver, who was also in the car, escaped unhurt.

Were was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police have launched investigations into the killing but have yet to make any arrests. The motive behind the attack also remains unclear.

The shocking news has triggered an outpouring of grief and condemnation from political leaders, parties and organisations across the country.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula condemned the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, describing it as a cowardly and callous act that has robbed the nation of a dedicated public servant.

Wetang’ula described the late legislator as a fearless advocate for his constituents and a committed champion of democratic ideals. Were was serving his second term, having been elected to Parliament in 2017 and re-elected in the 2022 General Election.

“This callous and cowardly act committed under the cover of night has robbed the nation of a distinguished legislator, a fearless advocate for his constituents, and a man deeply committed to the democratic ideals and service to the people he represented,” he said.

“The loss of Hon. Were is not just a tragedy to his family and the people of Kasipul but also a big loss to the people of Kenya.”

Wetang’ula urged security and investigative agencies to undertake thorough investigations and bring those behind the killing to justice.

“As we mourn our departed dear friend and colleague, I call upon our security and investigative agencies to undertake thorough investigations to bring to book those responsible for this heinous and cowardly act,” he said.

He also appealed to Kenyans to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, adding that Parliament would closely follow the investigations.

“In this time of national grief, I urge all Kenyans to remain calm and allow due process to take its course. The leadership of Parliament is actively engaged and will continue to monitor the progress of investigations while remaining in close contact with the bereaved family,” he said.

The fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong'ondo Were, along Ngong Road in Nairobi this evening has left the entire family of Parliament of Kenya and indeed the whole country deeply shocked and pained. pic.twitter.com/XOJJFcukE7

— Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, EGH. (@HonAmasonKingi) April 30, 2025

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In a statement, the late Were's party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), expressed deep shock over the death of Ong’ondo, describing it as a tragic loss.

“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,” the party said.

ODM noted that the legislator had spent the better part of the day in Parliament and left the precincts at 6:15 pm after concluding official business.

“While we join his constituents, the people of the great county of Homa Bay, his family, colleagues and friends in mourning, we call on the police to investigate the shooting incident and bring the culprits to book,” the statement read in part.

The party added that a comprehensive statement would be issued in due course.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also joined in mourning the MP, calling for swift justice.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, the MP for Kasipul. I had the privilege of serving with him in Parliament, where he always advocated for the people of Kasipul with clarity and conviction. Those who planned and executed this heinous crime must face the full force of the law,” he said.

“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. May you find peace in the legacy he leaves behind and strength in knowing that his service was not in vain.”

Condolence Message by the Deputy Party Leader of ODM, H.E. Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, Governor of Mombasa County

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the brutal killing of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency.

This painful loss has robbed a… pic.twitter.com/5de2wWnih5

— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) April 30, 2025

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who was among the first to react, recounted his final interaction with Were just hours before the incident.

“I was with my colleague just this afternoon in Parliament, chatted, laughed, and he told me, ‘I need a conversation with you, mambo si mazuri.’ His exact words. Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking,” Amisi said.

Butere MP Tindi Mwale posted on social media, “This is unbelievable; RIP my brother Hon. Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were.”

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya decried the killing as a direct attack on democracy.

“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. It’s alleged that a lone motorbike assailant drove up and took his life. He was a former member of the National Security Council, among other notable appointments. This is a dark day,” he said.

“My heart goes out to his family and constituents. This is a barbaric act! Attacking our leaders is an attack on our democracy! Police—act fast! Bring our leaders’ killers to book! Rest in peace, Hon. Were. Your legacy lives on.”

Meanwhile, the Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) has condemned the killing of the MP and distanced the bodaboda sector from the crime.

THE association expressed sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the late MP’s family, friends and constituents.

“BAK strongly condemns the tragic and senseless fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Were. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of the late MP during this time of grief,” the association said.

The group emphasised its commitment to promoting safety, accountability, and professionalism in the bodaboda sector, while distancing itself from individuals who misuse motorcycles to perpetrate violence.

“Such actions not only endanger the lives of innocent Kenyans but also tarnish the image of thousands of hardworking, law-abiding riders across the country,” BAK added.

The association urged authorities to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning against generalising the incident as representative of the entire bodaboda community.

“We urge the public and law enforcement to treat this incident as a criminal matter and not a reflection of the bodaboda community as a whole. BAK remains committed to working closely with government agencies, local communities, and security forces to identify rogue elements and enhance public safety,” it said.