Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of Kenya's opposition coalition, was shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. Were, who had previously received death threats, was targeted in a brazen attack as he traveled on a busy road in Nairobi, with police confirming the crime was premeditated. Following the shocking incident, political leaders and citizens alike have expressed their grief and anger over the state of political affairs in the country.
Kenyan MP Charles Ong'ondo Were Murdered in Targeted Attack
Kenyan MP Charles Ong'ondo Were Murdered in Targeted Attack
The assassination of a Kenyan parliamentarian has raised alarm over political violence in the country.
A prominent Kenyan opposition MP, Charles Ong'ondo Were, was shot dead in a suspected assassination attempt in Nairobi on Wednesday. Gunmen, operating from a motorcycle, pursued his vehicle before one entered and fired at him up close. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga indicated that the crime appeared to be intentional and carefully planned. Were had recently voiced concerns over threats to his life, reflecting a tenuous political atmosphere.
The attack occurred in a well-patrolled area along Ngong Road, known for having heavy traffic police presence and surveillance cameras. Despite the quick actions of his driver and bodyguard, who rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, Were was declared dead upon arrival.
In reaction, President William Ruto has called for a comprehensive investigation into the assassination, emphasizing that the perpetrators must face justice. Fellow lawmakers described the horrific event as shocking, with Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang'ula mourning the loss of what he termed a "fearless and distinguished" representative.
Were was serving his second term and represented the Kasipul constituency for the opposition Orange Democratic Movement, led by Raila Odinga. Odinga reacted strongly to the tragedy, lamenting that a "gallant son of the soil" had been "mercilessly gunned down." The devastating incident underscores an increasingly fraught political landscape in Kenya, raising questions about the safety of public officials in a nation still grappling with a history of electoral violence and unrest.
