The tragic death of Charles Ong'ondo Were raises questions about safety for politicians and the rule of law in the country.
**Kenyan MP Assassinated in Nairobi: A Targeted Shooting Shakes the Nation**
**Kenyan MP Assassinated in Nairobi: A Targeted Shooting Shakes the Nation**
A suspected assassination of a member of parliament highlights growing concerns over political violence in Kenya.
The streets of Nairobi were shaken by the shocking assassination of Charles Ong'ondo Were, a Kenyan member of parliament, who was shot dead in a targeted attack by gunmen on a motorcycle. The assault, which took place on Ngong Road near a busy roundabout, is being treated as a premeditated execution, according to police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, who noted that the attackers had closely followed Were's vehicle before executing their attack.
Two months prior to his death, Were had raised alarms about threats to his life, indicating a troubling backdrop of political violence. Following the shooting on Wednesday night, his driver and bodyguard expedited him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival.
The incident occurred in an area generally secured by traffic officers and security cameras, leading to immediate investigations coordinated by senior police officials. President William Ruto has mandated a comprehensive police inquiry to ensure justice for the MP, emphasizing accountability for the perpetrators.
Colleagues in the legislature expressed deep shock and condemnation, urging rapid and thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding Were's assassination. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang'ula reflected on Were's legacy as a "fearless and distinguished" figure, calling the incident "devastating."
Were represented the Kasipul constituency as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement, which is led by Raila Odinga—a notable political figure who criticized the killing as an act of cold-blooded murder. Odinga mourned the loss of "a gallant son of the soil" and reiterated concerns over the state of the nation following the contentious 2022 elections, where he claimed electoral irregularities.
The incident raises significant issues regarding safety and political tension in Kenya, indicating an urgent need for reaffirmed safeguards for public officials and a thorough examination of political violence in the region.
Two months prior to his death, Were had raised alarms about threats to his life, indicating a troubling backdrop of political violence. Following the shooting on Wednesday night, his driver and bodyguard expedited him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival.
The incident occurred in an area generally secured by traffic officers and security cameras, leading to immediate investigations coordinated by senior police officials. President William Ruto has mandated a comprehensive police inquiry to ensure justice for the MP, emphasizing accountability for the perpetrators.
Colleagues in the legislature expressed deep shock and condemnation, urging rapid and thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding Were's assassination. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang'ula reflected on Were's legacy as a "fearless and distinguished" figure, calling the incident "devastating."
Were represented the Kasipul constituency as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement, which is led by Raila Odinga—a notable political figure who criticized the killing as an act of cold-blooded murder. Odinga mourned the loss of "a gallant son of the soil" and reiterated concerns over the state of the nation following the contentious 2022 elections, where he claimed electoral irregularities.
The incident raises significant issues regarding safety and political tension in Kenya, indicating an urgent need for reaffirmed safeguards for public officials and a thorough examination of political violence in the region.
