Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has mourned Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo in an emotional post.
Issuing a statement via his official X account, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader expressed his regret over the loss stating that Kenya has lost a gallant son of the soil to merciless and cold-blooded murder.
“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! Dhi gi kwe Ogai ma Milamb,” the ODM leader wrote.
The departed MP lost his life to two assailants who had been trailing him on a motorbike.
It is reported that the two trailed him to the junction at Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly known as City Mortuary, before the pillion passenger alighted and shot him at close range.
After the job was done, the two left the scene, leaving the MP sustaining serious gun injuries.
Ong’ondo was rushed to a City Hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
His driver, however, survived the incident.
ODM speaks
So far, ODM has called on police to launch speed investigations into the matter and bring the culprits to book.
“We have received with shock and disbelief the tragic death of the Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were-MP Kaspul at the hands of a gunman along Ngong Road, Nairobi this evening. Were was in parliament for the better part of the day and left at 6:15 pm after participating in the business of the day.
“While we join his constituents, the people of the great county of Homabay, his family, colleagues and friends in mourning, we call on the police to investigate the shooting incident and bring the culprits to book. We shall issue a comprehensive statement in due course,” the party said.
The death of the legislator follows after he issued complaint against an increase I political violence in his constituency by sponsored goons.
Speaking in February this year, the MP disclosed that several individuals were being ferried from different areas such as Nairobi to his constituency by his detractors who want to unseat him in 2027.
“At first, I was attacked at Kalando area during a funeral service, second time my vehicle was deflated by known goons, who knifed the occupants and even abducted one of them at around 2pm then released at midnight, and he is recuperating well,” the MP said on February 9, 2025.