Lawmaker Charles Were Shot Dead in Nairobi: A Shocking Attack in Kenya's Capital

This incident highlights the tensions in Kenya's political landscape, particularly following recent protests and criticism of the government.

Kenyan lawmaker Charles Were was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday evening in what police are calling a "targeted and premeditated" attack. The incident occurred in the heart of Nairobi while Mr. Were was stopped at a traffic light. According to eyewitness accounts, a passenger on the back of a motorcycle disembarked and fired shots into the vehicle, before swiftly escaping with the motorcycle's driver.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, with no immediate motive established. Muchiri Nyaga, a police spokesperson, emphasized that it is too soon for the authorities to elaborate on the case. In the aftermath of the attack, President William Ruto urged law enforcement to "conduct a thorough investigation," and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, asserting that "those responsible must be held to account."

Despite the targeted nature of the assassination, the driver and another passenger were unharmed and quickly transported Mr. Were to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Mr. Were, who represented the Orange Democratic Movement and had been re-elected in 2022, was a significant figure in Kenya's opposition, headed by Raila Odinga, who described the shooting as a "gangland-style execution."

The attack comes against a backdrop of increasing frustration and unrest in Kenya, particularly following last year's deadly protests against a controversial tax increase. Critics of President Ruto have attributed economic hardships to his policies, despite his campaign promising economic improvement for all Kenyans. As investigations continue, this shocking incident raises alarm about the state of political stability in a nation historically known for its relative peace in a turbulent region.