State investigators have made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead in his vehicle on April 30 near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.
The MP was attacked while driving his Toyota Crown along Ngong Road. Following the incident, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an intensive probe, including forensic examinations of the vehicle, the crime scene, and people last seen with the lawmaker.
On Wednesday, May 7, DCI officers recovered two firearms—a Retay Falcon pistol and a Sarsilmaz pistol—along with a sling bag and a pair of shoes matching descriptions of those worn by the suspected shooter. The discovery was made after one of the suspects led investigators to a residence linked to the attack.
Ballistic tests confirmed that the Sarsilmaz pistol was the murder weapon. In a statement issued on Thursday, May 8, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja revealed that the same gun had also been used in at least three robbery incidents in Nairobi and Kiambu counties, most recently on April 26, just four days before Were’s killing.
“Today I stand before you with significant findings from a comprehensive ballistic investigation regarding the tragic demise of Hon. Charles Were,” said IG Kanja. “The ballistic report we have received unequivocally links the Sarsilmaz pistol, recovered from the residence of one of the suspects, to the fatal shots that took his life.”
In a chilling revelation, investigators disclosed that the MP’s murder was a contract killing.
One of the suspects reportedly received KSh 850,000 for the hit, with a promise of protection from arrest due to connections with high-ranking government officials. A sum of KSh 615,000 believed to be part of the payment was recovered during a raid on the suspect’s residence.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has pledged to provide CCTV footage from Parliament to aid in the ongoing investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that the lawmaker was followed from Parliament to the scene of the shooting.
At the time of the attack, Were was in the company of his driver and bodyguard, both of whom escaped unharmed. They have since been detained for questioning.
The murder of the MP has shocked the nation and drawn calls for swift justice. Investigations are ongoing as authorities close in on all those involved in the high-profile killing.
