A member of parliament from Kenya was fatally shot in Nairobi by assailants on a motorcycle, in what is believed to be an assassination attempt.
Police reported that the gunmen had been following Charles Ong’ondo Were’s car before one dismounted and shot him at close range.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that the crime appears to be both targeted and premeditated.
The opposition MP had previously expressed concerns about threats to his life, according to local media.
Following the shooting late Wednesday, his driver and bodyguard, who were unharmed, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
The incident occurred on Ngong Road near a busy roundabout that is typically monitored by traffic police and equipped with surveillance cameras.
Shortly after the incident, senior police officials and detectives arrived at the scene to begin investigations.
President William Ruto has instructed the police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident, emphasizing that those responsible must be held accountable.
Colleagues who visited the site on Wednesday night expressed their shock and anger over the murder, demanding prompt investigations and justice.
Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula referred to the MP as a ‘fearless and distinguished’ figure, calling the shooting ‘devastating.’
The motive behind the assassination remains unclear, but the soft-spoken legislator had previously alleged that ‘hired goons’ were conspiring to kill him, linking the threat to local political dynamics.
In February, he voiced his worries about the increasing violence and disorder at public gatherings in the Kasipul constituency of western Kenya, which he represented.
“If you hear that I have been killed, Kasipul will never be the same.
However, I am confident they won’t take my life because I have the Bible on my phone and another one under my pillow,” Were remarked at that time.
On Thursday, homicide detectives arrived at the scene, with Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stating that “the investigations have progressed.”
Were was in his second term as a member of parliament representing the Orange Democratic Movement, led by the seasoned politician Raila Odinga.
In his remarks, Odinga denounced the murder, asserting that the legislator was “mercilessly and cold-bloodedly shot by an assassin.”
“We have lost a brave son of the soil!” Odinga lamented, Odinga had previously lost to President Ruto in the 2022 election and contested the results due to alleged irregularities.
Since then, the former prime minister has reached a political agreement with Ruto, resulting in some opposition members joining the cabinet in what is known as the “broad-based government,” which Were supported.
