Raila Odinga Calls For Calm As Police Probe Murder Of Kasipul MP Were
Kapsul MP Ong'ondo Were
ODM leader Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to remain calm as investigations continue into the shocking murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were.
The MP was gunned down in a daring daylight attack in Nairobi on the evening of Wednesday, April 30.
In a statement released on May 1, the former prime minister condemned the killing, calling it a “barbaric act” that must be treated with the highest level of seriousness.
“I have spoken to and received assurance from state security agencies that a prompt and conclusive investigation into this matter of national interest will be carried out. Likewise, I appeal for calm as we wait for answers from the authorities,” Raila said.
The MP was shot while in traffic on Valley Road at around 7:40 p.m. A gunman wearing a hood, believed to be concealing his identity, walked up to the vehicle and fired four close-range shots, hitting the MP in the chest and hand.
Witnesses say the attacker then fled on a waiting motorcycle, which was being ridden by an accomplice.
Detectives say the killers had been trailing the MP’s vehicle through the city. CCTV footage shows a hooded man keeping watch near Wabera Street, where the MP’s car had stopped for a brief moment.
Reports indicate the MP’s bodyguard had stepped into an M-Pesa shop to deposit Sh20,000 into the MP’s account.
After leaving Wabera Street, the vehicle took several turns in an attempt to avoid traffic, eventually joining Valley Road, unaware that they were being followed.
When the car stopped, the suspect walked around the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing.
Police have recovered three spent cartridges from the scene and are relying on CCTV footage and witness testimonies to trace the killers.
Detectives have already questioned the MP’s driver, bodyguard, and the M-Pesa shop attendant.
Investigators have also spoken to staff at a restaurant on Kimathi Street, where the suspects are believed to have had lunch earlier that day.
Authorities say the murder was not random but planned in advance.
“The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and premeditated,” said police spokesman Michael Muchiri.
The police are also investigating whether the killing may have been politically motivated and have extended the probe to Kasipul constituency.
Charles Ong’ondo Were was declared dead on arrival at Nairobi Hospital.
His driver and bodyguard were not injured during the attack, which lasted less than a minute.
Homicide detectives are continuing with the investigation to bring those responsible to justice.