The National Police Service (NPS) has urged Kenyans who may have witnessed the shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Were, to come forward. This appeal follows an update from Police Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, detailing Were's final moments before his death at Nairobi Hospital. According to Nyaga, on the evening of April 30th, a white Toyota Crown was stopped at a red light on Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout, at approximately 7:30 pm. Eyewitnesses reported that a motorcycle carrying two individuals pulled up alongside the vehicle. The pillion passenger then approached the car and fired shots at the passenger side before escaping on the motorcycle.

The driver of the car and a male passenger, both unharmed, rushed Were to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police confirmed the deceased to be Honourable Charles Were, MP for Kasipul, and stated that the crime appeared to be both targeted and premeditated. However, further details are currently unavailable as police commanders and detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding Were's death.

The police service condemned the murder and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, extending condolences to Were's family, parliamentary colleagues, constituents, and associates. They reiterated their call for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the nearest police station.

Many Kenyans, including fellow politicians, have expressed their condemnation of Were's killing on social media. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has called for swift investigations into the matter, noting that Were was in parliament earlier that day and left at 6:15 pm. Were was serving his second term in office, having been first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 on the ODM ticket.

Leaders across the political spectrum have paid tribute to the late MP, describing him as a humble, gallant, and dedicated public servant. President William Ruto, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Health CS Aden Duale, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi have all expressed their condolences and called for thorough investigations to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti condemned the murder as a reflection of growing lawlessness and insecurity, emphasizing the need for a swift and independent investigation.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga mourned Were as a “gallant son of the soil,” condemning his assassination. The National Police Service stated that the shooting appeared to be targeted and predetermined. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Were as a fearless and committed public servant and urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter. Police have stated that the killing was not random but a well-planned assassination, and detectives are reviewing eyewitness accounts.

Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot dead near City Mortuary in Nairobi on April 30, prompting national outrage and calls for justice. Prior to entering politics in 2017, he held executive positions in various companies and earned multiple academic qualifications, including a master’s degree. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recounted his last conversation with Were, who had mentioned personal struggles. Interior PS Raymond Omollo assured a comprehensive investigation would be conducted.

Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo suggested that local politics may have played a role in the murder, stating that Were had received threats before his death. Gogo emphasized a growing wave of violence in Homa Bay politics and called on law enforcement to address the issue. Gogo also paid tribute to Were’s dedication and consistent attendance at Parliamentary sessions.

A video showing Were detailing how informants warned him of assassination plots has resurfaced, naming individuals involved in the plan. In the video, Were claimed that youth from Kisumu and Migori had been paid to stir violence at a public event, providing cover for his assassination. Police said the gunman walked up to Were’s car and fired at close range before fleeing with an accomplice.

Authorities suspect trained assassins were behind the precision shooting, which occurred as the MP’s car turned at the City Mortuary roundabout. The gunman broke the vehicle’s window and fired at least six rounds, some of which were aimed directly at the MP. Governor Gladys Wanga described Were as a loyal, honest, and dependable leader who was deeply committed to serving the people of Kasipul.

The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) condemned the killing and distanced the sector from criminal elements, urging swift investigations. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safety and lawful conduct within the boda boda industry.