Four suspects linked to criminal gang arrested over Kasipul MP Charles Were murder

Four suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the arrests followed “further analysis of previously obtained leads”, which placed the four suspects at the crime scene.

“Officers from the National Police Service swiftly conducted an operation and successfully arrested four suspects who had been positively placed at the crime scene,” Nyaga said.

The police said investigators have also recovered crucial evidence linked to the crime, as well as to the perpetrators.

According to NPS, the suspects are believed to be part of organised criminal groups, including a gang identified as Mjahidin, which has been linked to armed robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.

Uncover murder motive

Nyaga said NPS technical teams are working tirelessly to uncover the motive behind the assassination.

“Our investigators and technical teams are leveraging their expertise to establish the motive behind the fatal shooting and to bring all those involved to justice,” he said.

He urged the public to refrain from speculation, warning that careless commentary could hinder the progress of the ongoing investigation.

“We urge the public to remain calm and refrain from speculating, as our teams work diligently to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation,” he said.

“Moreover, the NPS advises individuals not directly involved in this investigation to refrain from making comments that could hinder ongoing efforts.”

Nyaga further assured the public that the service is committed to delivering justice to the slain MP’s family and the nation.

“NPS remains committed to holding those responsible to account and delivering justice to Hon. Were’s family and the nation,” he said.

He also appealed to the public to report any information that could assist the probe.

Assist the investigation

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• Charles Ong’ondo Were
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“We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or use our toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).”

Were was killed on Thursday evening at the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road, Nairobi, in what detectives describe as a well-orchestrated attack by a lone gunman suspected to have been hired.

The assailant reportedly fired four times at close range before fleeing on a sports bike that had been waiting nearby. The MP’s bodyguard and driver, who were in the car at the time, escaped unhurt.

Detectives believe the attacker trailed the MP’s car from Parliament, where the legislator had spent most of his day. He left the building around 6:15pm with his driver and bodyguard, and the team made several stops, including along Wabera Street, where the MP’s bodyguard deposited Sh20,000 into the MP’s M-Pesa account.

CCTV footage from that area showed a hooded man carrying a bag monitoring the MP’s car.

Around 7:19 pm the vehicle proceeded along Kenyatta Avenue, Jakaya Kikwete Road, and eventually Argwings Kodhek Road, unknowingly being followed.

The car was later caught in traffic on Valley Road, where the attacker struck. The gunman approached on foot, fired the shots and fled on the waiting motorcycle.

Caught off guard

The MP’s bodyguard told detectives he was caught off guard by the gunfire and initially took cover before trying to pursue the assailants, who had already vanished. He then returned to help the MP, who was bleeding and pleading for assistance.

Were was rushed to Nairobi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The detectives also reconstructed the crime scene and recovered three spent cartridges, which are currently undergoing ballistic analysis.

Officers have also examined CCTV footage from Wabera Street and other areas the MP visited that day.

Investigators believe the gunman and his accomplice may have had lunch earlier that day at a restaurant along Kimathi Street. Authorities have since questioned several individuals, including the MP’s driver, bodyguard, and an M-Pesa shop attendant.

The probe has now been extended to Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County, as detectives investigate the possibility of political motives behind the killing.

NPS has promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.