Charles Ong’ondo Were, a bold and influential figure in Kenyan politics, rose from businessman to two-term Kasipul MP under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Known for his grassroots appeal and sharp political instincts, Were commanded both loyalty and fierce criticism.
His tenure was marked by big ambitions but also shadowed by over 20 allegations of violence and intimidation. Despite the controversies, he remained a key player in Homa Bay’s political arena.
His assassination on April 30, 2025, sent shockwaves through Parliament and reignited fierce debate over political violence, deepening the fault lines in Kenya’s ever-turbulent political landscape.
Who Was Charles Ong’ondo Were?
Charles Ong’ondo Were, a bold Kenyan politician, served as the MP for Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, from 2017. His promising career ended tragically on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, when gunmen assassinated him in Nairobi.
The attackers, riding a motorbike, ambushed his car near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road and sprayed it with bullets. Chaos erupted as bystanders scrambled for safety.
Were’s aides rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, hoping to save his life, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. His killing has sparked outrage and heightened political tension across the country.
Many leaders are now demanding swift justice and tighter security for public officials. Kenyans mourn a leader whose death leaves deep scars on the nation’s political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Charles Ong’ondo Were began his education at Kanabok Primary School and later joined Oyugis Secondary School in 1983. He completed his Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) in 1986.
He returned to school 25 years later. In 2011, he enrolled for a certificate in County Governance at Meru University.
In 2013, he joined Mt. Kenya University for a diploma in Business Management and completed it in 2014.
He pursued a Bachelor of Business Management in 2015 and graduated in 2017. In 2019, he earned a Master of Science in Procurement and Supplies.
The slain MP came from the Kanabok area. He first won the Kasipul MP seat in 2017 and was re-elected in 2022 on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
In Parliament, he served in the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation.
Career
Charles Ong’ondo Were had a long career in business before entering politics. He served as CEO of Victoria Cleaning Services Ltd from 2003 to 2022. At the same time, he led Metrokaam Properties Ltd as CEO from 2006 to 2022. He also headed Benga Group Holding Ltd from 2014 to 2022.
Were stepped into politics in 2017, winning the Kasipul MP seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He defended his seat successfully in 2022.
In Parliament, Were focused on key national issues. He served on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation, where he pushed for policies to boost Kenya’s water and marine resources.
His leadership spanned both the private sector and public service, marking him as a figure of influence.
Charles Ong’ondo Were Net Worth and Earnings
Charles Ong’ondo Were’s exact net worth was not publicly known. However, as an MP, he earned a gross monthly salary of Ksh739,600.
This included a basic salary of Ksh443,760, a house allowance of Ksh150,000, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh145,840.
He also received Ksh7,500 per sitting as a member of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation, up to Ksh120,000 monthly.
In addition, Were benefited from several allowances. He got a mileage allowance of Ksh116.63 per kilometer, capped at Ksh353,778 per month.
He also received a car maintenance allowance of Ksh356,525 monthly and an airtime allowance of Ksh15,000. His earnings reflected the lucrative perks tied to parliamentary office in Kenya.
Personal Life and Controversies
Leaders close to Charles Ong’ondo Were described him as a devoted family man and a strong community leader. He often welcomed friends and constituents into his home, creating a spirit of unity and belonging.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said, “He was proudly multiparty and kept his family highly organized.” But Were’s career was not without controversy. He faced over 20 allegations, including violence and intimidation.
Many accused him of hiring goons to attack, torture, and injure rivals’ supporters. While his death shocked Parliament, the public reacted with less surprise, given his troubled record.
His legacy remains a mix of dedicated service and deep political strife, reflecting the complex realities of Kenyan politics.
