The family of slain Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo Were has received an outpouring of condolences from parliamentary colleagues as authorities continue to investigate his murder.
Were was shot dead on the night of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, by unknown assailants along Ngong Road near the City Mortuary Roundabout in what authorities suspect was a targeted attack.
The second-term MP was driving home from Parliament when he was ambushed and gunned down at close range before the attackers fled the scene.
In a statement dated April 2, 2025, the National Assembly confirmed that members of its Board of Management, led by Clerk Samuel Njoroge, had visited the family home in Karen to offer their sympathies and express institutional support during the difficult period.
“We have lost a committed leader who served his people with devotion. We stand with the family during this difficult time and call on the authorities to ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice,” Njoroge stated during the visit.
The parliamentary delegation was joined by members of the Funeral Committee, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Minority Whip Millie and Suba North MP Odhiambo, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who also chairs the committee and serves on the Speaker’s Panel.
According to the statement, the late MP’s family, including his children, expressed gratitude for the visit and urged the government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death.
“Members of the late MP’s family, including his children, expressed appreciation for the visit and called on the government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing,” the statement reads in part.
In a separate visit, members of the National Assembly’s Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee, where Were served as an active member throughout his two terms in office, also paid their respects to the family.
In his tribute, Committee Chairperson and Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen eulogised the late legislator as a tireless and principled figure, recalling his consistent commitment to the committee’s work.
“Hon. Ong’ondo Were was one of our most proactive members. Despite also serving as Vice-Chairperson of the Cohesion Committee, he consistently made time for our committee. In fact, I often found him already seated whenever I arrived for meetings,” Bowen stated.
“This was his primary committee, and I believe the people of Kasipul can attest to the many water projects he championed over the years,” he added.
Bowen also shared a personal reflection, recalling how the late MP supported him during committee leadership challenges in the previous Parliament.
“During the last Parliament, when our committee faced leadership wrangles, Hon. Ong’ondo Were stood firmly by me. From then on, we built a strong friendship,” he said.
Vice-Chairperson Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East) described Were as kind-hearted, reliable, and a dependable friend.
“Whenever I had a function, Sir Charles was just a phone call away. He was jovial, kind-hearted, and always ready to offer ideas and support. We’ve lost a genuine team player,” he said.
“As a family, we are deeply saddened by this loss. Even in heaven, he remains our dear friend. May you find strength during this difficult time,” he added.
The committee was accompanied by its secretariat and welcomed at the family residence by Governor Wanga.
Autopsy date
In the statement, Parliament revealed that an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death has been scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025.
Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor is expected to lead the examination, which could provide critical details that could help investigators piece together the circumstances of the fatal attack.
“We trust the investigative agencies will ensure justice is served and those responsible are brought to book,” Marakwet East MP Bowen stated.