The team of investigators drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Unit and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau are probing the possibility that the MP’s death could be linked to the incessant wrangles in his constituency.
Another theory under consideration is that the legislator’s shooting may have resulted from a deal gone sour.
The DCI is also following leads related to the MP’s financial transactions and business dealings to determine whether his death could be connected to any of them.
The investigators refined their focus after a meeting with close family members who shared crucial information with the police.
Already, the investigators have identified at least four individuals whom the DCI believes could provide key leads to help unravel the murder, even as it zeroes in on two individuals captured on CCTV footage that show they could have trailed the MPs for hours—and probably days before—his murder around 8pm on Ngong Road next to Nairobi Funeral Home.
Charles Ong'ondo Were, MP for Kasipul, was killed at a red light. His killers escaped on a motorcycle.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The other individuals police believe have crucial leads are family members, as well as the MP’s driver, and his bodyguard.
Homicide investigators have reached out to their Nyanza counterparts for information that the MP is said to have shared with the police in February when he claimed his life was in danger.
The MP had said, in Nyatindo, East Kamagak Ward, that individuals, who are not residents of his constituency, have been disrupting his public gatherings.
A day before this incident, Mr Were revealed that his vehicle was blocked as he was leaving another funeral, adding that had he not been with his security team, he would have been attacked.
In another undated video clip doing rounds on social media, the MP openly said there was an organised criminal gang that was baying for his blood.
But as the police piece together crucial leads, key leaders of the Raila Odinga-led ODM party demanded swift answers on the murder and the arrest and prosecution of the killers and their financiers.
In the 10-point agreement signed in March that gave birth to the broad-based government, among other things, President Ruto and Mr Odinga agreed to work together to foster unity and advance Kenya’s socio-economic agenda, a key tenet that ODM leaders now say would be broken if Mr Were’s killers are not brought to justice.
National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo argued that the killers were people who understood government systems and timings and that the killing may have been intended to weaken ODM and its leaders, including Mr Odinga.
Nyanza MPs now threaten to scuttle broad-based govt deal over death of Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were
"We wanted you to take action before he was killed. You must tell us what you know or take us out of the broad-based government," said Ms Odhiambo.
She questioned how the assailants knew when the legislator left Parliament and which routes he took to go home.
She said action should have been taken immediately, noting that Mr Were had complained that his life was in danger.
According to the Minority Whip, Mr Were appeared disturbed on the day he died.
"I am aware that the killers knew there were police officers on the road but went ahead and executed their plan. It clearly shows that it was a well-planned mission," Ms Odhiambo said.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said the opposition had agreed to work with the government, but that did not mean their members should be harmed.
ODM chairperson, Gladys Wanga, speaks at Bukiri Primary School, Funyula, Busia County on February 28, 2025 during the party's 20th anniversary celebrations.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“We said we are working together, but we did not sign up to the assassination of our members," Ms Wanga said.
According to the governor, Mr Were’s death could have been a scheme to weaken ODM and its officials.
“Do not mistake a lion that’s been rained on for a cat, “she said, implying that their meekness should not be mistaken for weakness.
She equated the death to an attack at home where security officers are attacked before the owner of the house is ambushed.
"He was one of my foot soldiers. His killers might have thought eliminating him would neutralise me, but they will not succeed," she said.
She was speaking at the home of the slain MP in Kachien, Homa Bay County.
She argued that the stories told about the slain MP were part of a scheme to divert national attention and cover up the death.
Governor Wanga described the stories as disinformation, which she said was well-planned to mislead the public into believing the legislator was a bad person.
She claimed that some people were sponsored to use social media to spread false information about Mr Were.
“Their plan is to cover up the murder of Were. He had reported that his life was in danger, but he was not helped,” Ms Wanga said.
Mr Mohamed issued an ultimatum to investigative agencies to reveal the person who killed Mr Were before he is buried.
Mr Mohamed said his party leader, Mr Odinga, is also demanding to know the killers and their motives.
"He was a leader elected by the people. The nature of his death is disturbing," the Suna East MP said.
Mr Mohamed added that their defence is not about Were’s position, but because the murder concerns many Kenyans and their leaders.
"You cannot walk around thinking that you are safe. You can be targeted at any time," the MP said.
He went on: "I know Charles Were personally, and he was not the person people (on social media) claim he was."
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who chairs the funeral committee, said the death was well-planned and executed by professionals.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
Photo credit: File I Nation Media Group
He said the area where the MP was gunned down is known for heavy traffic and has police officers controlling traffic.
"Whoever pulled the trigger was very confident in what they did. It shows that they are protected by people in government," Mr Kaluma said.
He also threatened that ODM should dissolve the close working relationship between Mr Odinga and President Ruto if the matter is not resolved before the burial.
He said the two leaders had agreed to address issues affecting the country, including murders. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ruto and Raila included the issue of unresolved deaths. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the death is likely to be a political assassination.
“I am not an investigator, but I have strong feelings that it was linked to politics,” he said.
According to the CS, he spoke to President Ruto about Mr Were’s death.
“The President is very annoyed and said he has given stern instructions that the culprits must be brought to book,” said Mr Mbadi.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Mr Were died while serving as vice chairperson of the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity Committee in the National Assembly.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang said the death of the legislator should concern all Kenyans, especially those without personal protection.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang'.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
"Imagine a leader who is well protected with a bodyguard being killed. It leaves other Kenyans who are not protected even more vulnerable," he said.
The senator added that the death could destabilise the country, especially after President Ruto vowed to address abductions and mysterious murders.
According to Mr Kajwang, some top leaders may have been behind the death, adding that it could not have been committed by an ordinary Kenyan.
He described the legislator as an active member of the ODM party and said his death would likely shake Homa Bay politics. He said Mr Were deserved to be made ODM chairperson in Homa Bay, a position he was seeking before his death.
"He ensured ODM dominated politics in Homa Bay. He was unapologetic about being a member of the party," Mr Kajwang said.
"He would always correct whoever did something wrong. His death is a big loss to us," he said.
Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara and Woman Representative Joyce Osogo mourned the slain MP as a man who actively took part in ODM activities.
