Kenya, May 1 -- Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot and killed on April 30, 2025, in a planned attack near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road in Nairobi.

Were, who belonged to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, was serving his second term. He was attacked by two men on a motorcycle at around 7:30 p.m., as reported by the police.

The attackers fired numerous shots at him from close range, resulting in his death, while his driver managed to escape without any injuries.

The National Police Service (NPS) called this murder "premeditated" and promised to thoroughly investigate the case.

Before becoming a politician in 2017, Were was a respected educator. He was known for pushing for changes in Kenya's public education system.

As the representative for Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay County, he was an important member of the ODM party.

However, his time in office was also marked by claims that he encouraged political violence and intolerance in his area, which some believe led to the tensions surrounding his death.

In February 2025, Were publicly accused certain outsiders, linked to rival politicians, of causing violence in Kasipul. He said that young people from other areas, like Homa Bay Town, Ndhiwa, Rangwe, Karachuonyo, Kisii, and even Nairobi, were being brought into Kasipul to disrupt funerals and community events.

Were had survived two previous attacks, including one at a funeral in Kalando, and another incident where his car was damaged and a passenger was taken but later released.

"Those who bring violence to Kasipul constituency are outsiders," he said during a press conference at his home, calling for an end to the troubles to allow peace and development.

Despite his statements, information that came out after his death suggested a darker story. Some accused Were of being involved in causing violence himself. People described him as "ruthless" and claimed he sent groups to attack his political opponents.

One post even said that some residents in Homa Bay County celebrated his death, claiming he "lived by violence and died by violence."

Others alleged that he had a "trail of death" behind him, and that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had proof of his involvement in local unrest, even though he was never charged with any crime before his death.

Additionally, Were's driver was charged in connection with the murder of bodybuilder Evans Okoda in May 2024. Okoda's body was found mutilated in Oyugis, with severe cuts and missing parts.

This ongoing case led to more rumours about Were's connections to violent acts, but there was no direct evidence tying him to the crime.

The ODM party, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, condemned Were's killing and called it a "merciless and cold-blooded murder."

Odinga remembered Were as a "brave son of the soil," while National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula praised him as a "distinguished legislator" and "fearless advocate." The party demanded quick police action to find the people responsible.

Were's death has led to a lot of discussion, with some believing it might have been politically motivated. Local people suggested that his opposition to a possible alliance between Raila and Ruto could have made him a target, even though there is no evidence to support this idea.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.