A post-mortem conducted on the body of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, has confirmed that the legislator died from extensive internal bleeding and multiple organ failure caused by five close-range gunshot wounds.
The autopsy, performed by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor at Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home on Monday, revealed that bullets struck the MP’s chest, back, and hands, with one projectile found lodged in his spine. Dr. Oduor said the injuries were too severe for the MP to have survived, emphasizing that the internal damage was “massive and fatal.”
Were was shot on the evening of April 30 while in his car near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road. Witnesses said two gunmen on a motorcycle approached his stationary vehicle, shattered the window, and fired multiple rounds at close range before escaping. The MP was rushed to Nairobi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Family lawyers, Members of Parliament, and senior homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were present during the autopsy. The examination offered crucial forensic insight that is expected to aid in the ongoing investigations.
So far, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the assassination. Among them is a man who allegedly posed as a police officer. Authorities believe the suspects are affiliated with criminal gangs known for orchestrating violent robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands region. They are currently being held in police custody for 30 days as investigations continue.
President William Ruto has strongly condemned the murder and vowed that justice will be served. “This heinous act will not go unpunished. We will ensure the perpetrators are brought to book,” the President said during a press briefing at State House.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also called for a swift and transparent investigation, describing Were as a “gallant son of the soil” who dedicated his life to serving the people of Kasipul.
