Were murder probe: Detectives trace suspicious call to MP's bodyguard belonging to deceased woman

A suspicious phone call made just hours before the assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, has become a central lead in an investigation.

According to sources close to the probe who spoke to The Eastleigh Voice, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are focusing on a mystery caller who reached out to the MP’s bodyguard on April 30 at around 2:40 pm roughly five hours before the MP was fatally shot on Nairobi’s Ngong Road.

The phone call, which lasted a minute and 10 seconds, was made while the bodyguard was at Parliament Buildings. Investigators have since established that this wasn’t the first contact, as this same number had made contact with the bodyguard just two days earlier.

According to forensic experts, the number was registered three days before the killing of the MP, using identification documents belonging to a woman from the Nyanza region who had been deceased for some time. Authorities believe the number was created specifically to contact the MP’s aide, as no other calls were made from it.

Meanwhile, detectives have made a major breakthrough after recovering the firearm used in the assassination. Speaking on Thursday, Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, confirmed that ballistic tests had linked the weapon—a Sarsilmaz pistol—to the shooting that claimed Were’s life.

“The ballistic report we have received unequivocally links the Sarsilmaz pistol, recovered from the residence of one of the suspects, to the fatal shots that took his life,” said IG Kanja during a press briefing.

The weapon was discovered during a late-night raid on Tuesday in the Chokaa area of Kayole. Officers also recovered another pistol, a bag, and a pair of shoes believed to be connected to the case.

So far, 10 suspects have been arrested, including the MP’s own driver and bodyguard, who were detained shortly after the murder to assist with investigations. Authorities have also linked some of the suspects to the notorious “Mjahidini” gang, known for violent robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands.

The MP was killed on the evening of April 30 at around 7:40 pm while travelling in a white Toyota Crown near City Mortuary. His vehicle had stopped at a red light when two individuals on a motorbike pulled up beside it. One of them approached the passenger side and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

The MP’s driver and bodyguard rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor revealed the MP had been shot five times—all from the left side. Two bullets were recovered from his body, and another was found in the vehicle. These were among several exhibits taken for forensic analysis.

Detectives from the DCI Homicide Bureau, working closely with the National Forensic Laboratory, launched a comprehensive investigation. They’ve since reviewed CCTV footage, tracked a getaway vehicle, and recovered cash believed to be tied to the suspects.

Some of the suspects linked to the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were being escorted out of the JKIA court. pic.twitter.com/Obo4NSCoz7

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) May 8, 2025

Four of the accused appeared before the JKIA Court on May 5, where investigators were granted 30 more days to complete their inquiries. The matter is scheduled for mention again on June 5.

Two additional suspects arrested shortly after the court appearance led detectives to the Kayole hideout, where the murder weapon and other items were discovered.

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IG Kanja also revealed that the same firearm had been used in at least three previous robberies in Nairobi and Kiambu, the most recent occurring just days before the assassination, on April 26.

“The firearm used to kill the MP has also been implicated in three separate robbery incidents across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties,” he said.

The police say they are following more leads and anticipate further arrests in the coming days.

“We will continue to pursue all leads, analyse forensic evidence, and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” Kanja assured.

He also expressed gratitude to the public for their support.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of Were’s family, friends, and members of the public, whose valuable information has driven significant progress in this investigation,” he said.

The National Police Service is urging anyone with additional information to report to the nearest police station or contact authorities via their toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or through #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).