Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has broken his silence following the shooting dead of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Were was killed by two people on a motorbike, who had trailed him along Ngong Road.
In a statement on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Raila condemned the legislator’s execution, noting that he had received assurances from investigators that they are hot on the pursuit of the perpetrators of the incident.
“As we celebrate in solidarity with workers of the world this Labour Day, we are also confronted with the sad news of the untimely death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were,” Raila said.
Gangland-style execution
“The gangland-style execution of Hon Were in broad daylight at the heart of the capital city is shockingly barbaric and must be condemned with total contempt.”
Raila equally appealed for calm from members of the public and from family members of the slain MP, noting that the investigative agencies will soon provide answers surrounding the death.
“I have spoken to and received assurances from state security agencies that a prompt and conclusive investigation in this matter of national interest is to be undertaken. Likewise, I appeal for calm as we wait for answers from the authorities,” Raila stated.
“I take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Hon Charles Ong’ondo Were and the people of Kasipul and the entire Homa Bay County for losing their son. May God rest the soul of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were in eternal peace.”
Shooting incident
Preliminary reports indicate that the second-term Kasipul MP was shot at multiple times at close range by an attacker who had trailed his Toyota Crown saloon car after he left Parliament for his home.
On reaching the roundabout at Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly known as City Mortuary, along Ngong Road, the late MP’s driver slowed down.
It is at this place that reports indicate that the pillion passenger of the motorcycle, which had been trailing the MP, disembarked, drew his gun, and shot the MP, who was seated at the co-driver seat of the vehicle, before taking off.
This comes just hours after police appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that may lead to the apprehension of the duo.
“Eyewitnesses have indicated that a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger stopped alongside the car. The pillion passenger approached the vehicle and fired shots at the passenger side before jumping back onto the motorcycle and speeding away,” a statement from the police revealed.
“The driver of the car and a male passenger, both unhurt, managed to rush the injured man to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Further details gathered at the hospital confirmed the deceased to be Hon. Charles Were, MP for Kasipul.”
“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer, or call the toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203).”