Investigators are looking into a high-ranking government official who may have been involved in the killing of Charles Ong’ondo Were, the MP for Kasipul.
There are grave suspicions over high-level political meddling in the case because the official is allegedly connected to a suspect who was detained in Nakuru soon after the murder. On April 30, 2025, Were was shot and killed close to Nairobi’s City Mortuary roundabout.
Two males on a motorcycle followed him out of Parliament, police said. CCTV showed that the gunman had followed his car before the MP was critically wounded by the pillion passenger’s repeated rounds of gunfire before he fled the area.
According to investigators, KSh 850,000 was given to the attackers as a down payment for the murder. Authorities are currently investigating the funds’ origin, which could reveal influential people.
According to investigators, one suspect claimed to have had direct communication with a high-ranking official who is thought to have provided funding for the operation.
Due to this disclosure, the investigation’s emphasis has switched to high-level political offices.
The public’s need for accountability, openness, and prompt justice has also increased. Given the MP’s outspoken opposition to corruption and criticism of powerful individuals, the development raises the possibility of a political motivation. Were had posted a video claiming to have received threats prior to his passing.
He cautioned that he had become a target because of his anti-corruption position. President William Ruto has ordered a thorough and independent investigation into his death, which has caused national indignation. ODM leaders have also condemned the act.
Were, who has been in office since 2017, was well-known for his honesty. Kenyans are urging security services to quickly identify and bring charges against the masterminds of the political violence that has been rekindled by his murder.
By Nairobi