Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were was tragically shot and killed on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Nairobi. The 51-year-old legislator was ambushed near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road. According to police reports, two men on a motorcycle approached his vehicle, shattered the driver’s window, and fired several rounds at close range. Despite being rushed to Nairobi Hospital by Good Samaritans, Were was pronounced dead upon arrival .
Were was serving his second term as the Member of Parliament for Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay County, having been re-elected in 2022. He was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and held the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Cohesion in Parliament .
The shooting has been described by authorities as a “targeted and premeditated” attack. Witnesses reported that the assailant disembarked from the motorcycle before approaching and shooting the MP . Prior to his death, Were had expressed concerns about his safety, citing multiple attacks on his convoy and incidents involving his aides. He alleged that some of these attacks were orchestrated by individuals from outside his constituency, possibly linked to rival politicians
The assassination has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting swift reactions from political leaders. President William Ruto condemned the killing, urging for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Opposition leader Raila Odinga mourned the loss, describing Were as a “gallant son of the soil” and a dedicated leader . The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also expressed deep sorrow, calling for an expedited investigation into the incident
