The brutal killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, has shocked the nation, igniting calls for swift justice.
He was assassinated in cold blood on April 30 along Ngong Road, near City Mortuary, by suspected gunmen who had been trailing him for hours.
As the country mourns the slain legislator, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are making steady progress.
Armed with critical CCTV footage and firsthand witness accounts, the homicide unit is unraveling the chilling details behind Ong’ondo Were’s murder in a bid to bring the perpetrators to book.
How DCI is Closing In on Ong’ondo Were’s Killers
In the aftermath of Ong’ondo Were’s killing, the DCI launched an intensive probe, drawing expertise from its homicide detectives to pursue every lead.
Detectives have reconstructed Were’s final movements using multiple CCTV clips and witness testimonies, providing a clearer picture of how the fatal attack unfolded.
On the fateful evening, Ong’ondo Were left Parliament Buildings at around 7 p.m., accompanied by his trusted driver and bodyguard.
Their first stop was at Wabera Street, where Were’s bodyguard stepped out briefly to deposit Ksh 20,000 at a nearby M-Pesa shop. This seemingly routine detour turned out to be critical in tracing the assailant’s movements.
CCTV footage from Wabera Street showed a suspicious individual lurking near Were’s vehicle. The man, dressed in a hoodie and carrying a bag, appeared to monitor the MP’s every move.
Notably, this footage provided the first concrete glimpse of the person believed to be behind the killing.
After concluding their business at Wabera Street, Were’s team attempted to avoid traffic congestion along Kenyatta Avenue by navigating alternative routes, including Ralph Bunche Road.
The killer, however, remained undeterred. CCTV footage tracked the MP’s car as it passed through Argwings Kodhek Road and eventually Valley Road.
At each juncture, the same mysterious figure was spotted shadowing the vehicle, confirming the theory that Were had been a targeted man.
The ambush came to a head at the City Mortuary roundabout. As Were’s car came to a halt in traffic, the suspect—now on a motorcycle—disembarked, circled the vehicle, and fired four deadly shots at close range.
The initial shot shattered the car window, and subsequent bullets fatally wounded the MP in his chest and hand. The gunman quickly escaped the scene, merging into the chaos of Nairobi’s evening traffic.
Forensic Breakthroughs and Witness Cooperation Fuel Investigation
While the CCTV footage has been instrumental, DCI detectives are also relying on key witness testimonies, particularly from Ong’ondo Were’s bodyguard and driver.
Their statements have not only corroborated the footage but also provided insight into the shooter’s precise movements and potential escape routes. Forensic experts from the DCI’s ballistics unit are analyzing bullet casings recovered from the crime scene.
Preliminary assessments suggest the weapon used was a high-caliber handgun, pointing to a professionally executed hit. Also, fingerprints lifted from the car and surrounding area are undergoing intensive analysis to identify possible matches in the DCI’s criminal database.
The DCI is also pursuing leads related to possible motives behind the assassination. Sources indicate that Were’s recent political moves and vocal stance on contentious local issues may have made him a marked man.
Investigators are combing through his phone records and recent correspondences to uncover any threats or suspicious communications that could link to the murder plot.
Security analysts have commended the DCI’s methodical approach, noting that the combination of modern surveillance technology and grassroots witness cooperation could be pivotal in cracking the case. However, they also caution that the apparent sophistication of the attack suggests involvement by individuals with significant resources and planning capabilities.
As pressure mounts for justice, the DCI has assured the public of its commitment to solving the crime swiftly and transparently.
“We are making substantial progress and are confident of closing in on the masterminds behind this heinous act,” a senior detective close to the investigation remarked.
