Legislators and political leaders across Kenya mourn the tragic loss and call for accountability and thorough investigations surrounding the attack.
**Kenyan MP Assassinated in Nairobi: A Targeted Attack Raises Concerns**
**Kenyan MP Assassinated in Nairobi: A Targeted Attack Raises Concerns**
A chilling assassination of Charles Ong'ondo Were, an opposition MP in Nairobi, highlights rising violence against politicians in Kenya.
In a tragic event that has sent shockwaves through the Kenyan political landscape, Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of parliament, was shot dead in an apparent assassination in Nairobi. The ruthless attack occurred near a bustling roundabout on Ngong Road, a location typically monitored by traffic police and equipped with security cameras. According to police reports, two gunmen on a motorcycle had been trailing Were's vehicle before one of them dismounted and shot him at close range.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga characterized the nature of the crime as both "targeted and predetermined." Just two months prior to his assassination, Were had raised concerns regarding threats to his life, which local media highlighted.
Despite the immediate response from his driver and bodyguard, who hastily transported him to Nairobi Hospital, Were was pronounced dead on arrival. His bodyguard and driver fortunately remained unharmed during the attack.
In the wake of the shooting, senior police officials and detectives swiftly descended upon the scene to gather evidence, with President William Ruto demanding a comprehensive investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
Legislators expressed profound shock and outrage over the incident, fostering a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by public officials in Kenya. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang'ula described Were as a "fearless and distinguished" representative, deeming his murder as "devastating" for the legislative body.
Were was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement, led by Raila Odinga, a veteran politician who previously challenged Ruto in the controversial 2022 elections. Following the shooting, Odinga condemned the killing, labeling it as a "cold-blooded" act of violence, and hailed Were as a "gallant son of the soil."
This assassination not only raises alarm about the safety of politicians in Kenya but also casts a shadow on the political atmosphere, especially given the contentious backdrop of recent electoral disputes and the evolving political landscape following the formation of a "broad-based government" between Ruto and Odinga.
As Kenya grapples with this heartbreaking loss, the political community awaits concrete actions and the outcomes of ongoing investigations to uphold justice for the fallen MP.
