Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

- Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong'ondo Were, was fatally shot by a gunman on a motorbike along Ngong Road.

The crime occurred near the City Mortuary roundabout on Wednesday night, April 30, at around 7.30pm.

In a strongly worded statement released after the tragic incident, the Boda boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) condemned the “tragic and senseless” killing, extending its deepest condolences to the MP's family, friends, and constituents.

"As an organisation committed to promoting safety, accountability, and professionalism within the boda boda sector, we firmly distance ourselves from any individuals who use motorcycles to commit acts of violence or crime," the statement read.

BAK stressed that acts of violence endanger innocent lives and tarnish the reputation of thousands of honest, hardworking riders across the country.

The association urged law enforcement and relevant authorities to fast-track investigations and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

"We urge the public and security agencies to treat this incident as an isolated criminal act and not as a reflection of the entire boda boda community," BAK said.

The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to working with government agencies, local communities, and security forces to identify criminal elements and enhance safety within the sector.

“We stand united in rejecting violence and reaffirm our mission to uphold peace and lawful conduct in the boda boda industry,” the statement concluded.

As investigations into the brutal killing of Were continue, a wave of mourning has swept across the political landscape, with leaders expressing shock and outrage over the assassination.

Several Members of Parliament paid tribute to their fallen colleague, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for democracy.

They condemned the fatal shooting as a cowardly and senseless act that strikes at the heart of Kenya’s democratic values.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga also expressed profound sorrow over losing one of his party’s most loyal members.

“We have lost a gallant son of the soil! Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were is no more; mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin in Nairobi this evening. Rest in Peace Hon. Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were!” Raila said in a statement posted on social media.

Hon. Were, who was serving his second term in Parliament, was known for his grassroots leadership and commitment to the people of Kasipul.

His sudden death has triggered calls for swift justice and renewed attention to the rising concerns over the safety of public officials.

Meanwhile, Rangwe MP Lilian Achieng’ Gogo shed light on possible motives behind the assassination of MP Were, revealing that he had previously reported threats to his life to the DCI.

Gogo, who identified the slain legislator as her brother-in-law, stated that the person behind the murder is known.

She also raised alarm over a growing wave of political violence in Homa Bay, urging law enforcement to take immediate action.

Source: TUKO.co.ke