By Mulembe Times Crime Desk
Detectives have made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, arresting a prime suspect believed to be the gunman behind the cold-blooded killing.
The suspect, identified as Isaac Kuria, also known by the alias “Kush”, was apprehended on Sunday in Isebania, Migori County, near the Kenya-Tanzania border. Authorities believe Kuria was attempting to escape into Tanzania to evade capture.
According to detectives involved in the investigation, Kuria is the suspected hitman who trailed the late MP along Nairobi’s Valley Road before fatally shooting him in traffic — an attack that has been described as a politically motivated assassination. The brazen shooting occurred during the day, shocking the nation and triggering a multi-agency security operation.
Sources privy to the case revealed that Kuria left Nairobi’s Central Business District moments after carrying out the hit and fled to Mihango estate in Eastlands, where he allegedly disposed of the murder weapon. The firearm has since been recovered by police and is undergoing ballistic analysis.
Kuria is said to have embarked on a carefully planned escape journey across multiple counties, using a motorbike to Narok before boarding public transport to Isebania. He was reportedly in communication with a relative in Tanzania, coordinating his cross-border escape.
Investigators tracked Kuria’s movements through phone signals and intercepted communications between him and other suspects already in custody. He was finally arrested at a local lodging in Isebania in the company of another individual, who was also taken into custody.
The two suspects were swiftly transferred to Nairobi and are expected to be arraigned at the JKIA Law Courts on Monday. This arrest brings the total number of suspects in police custody to eleven.
Among those already arrested are Were’s personal bodyguard, Allan Omondi, and his driver, Walter Owino. Investigators believe the two played key roles in facilitating the gunman’s access to the MP’s location and may have leaked information about his movements.
Another central figure in the case is William Imoli, alleged to have overseen the planning and coordination of the assassination. Authorities also have in custody businessman and politician Phillip Aroko and Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Director Ebel Ochieng — both suspected financiers of the assassination plot.
Additional suspects include Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi, believed to be linked to logistical support and money laundering aspects of the conspiracy.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed that it is actively pursuing other individuals suspected to have played various roles in the execution and financing of the assassination. Investigators are also reviewing financial records and communication logs to uncover the motive and full extent of the plot.
Preliminary reports indicate that the killing may have stemmed from internal political rivalries and tensions related to regional power struggles and business interests. However, police say it is too early to confirm the exact motive.
The assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for enhanced protection of public officials and stricter enforcement against political violence. The late MP was known for his outspoken leadership and was serving his second term in Parliament.
As the investigation continues to unfold, pressure is mounting on security agencies to expose and dismantle the entire network behind the shocking murder.
