Police probe killing of MP Were in suspected targeted attack

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Were, which occurred Wednesday evening along Ngong Road.

According to a statement by the police, the incident occurred at 7:30 p.m. near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road where a white Toyota Crown vehicle, reportedly carrying the MP and two others, had stopped at a red traffic light when a motorcycle with two occupants pulled up beside it.

“According to reports confirmed by the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, at around 7:30 pm this evening, a white Toyota Crown vehicle came to a stop at a red traffic light on Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout.” Read the statement.

Eyewitnesses say the pillion passenger dismounted and approached the car before opening fire on the passenger side, where Were was seated. The gunman then quickly fled the scene on the motorcycle, which sped off before any intervention could occur.

“Eyewitnesses have indicated that a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger stopped alongside the car. The pillion passenger approached the vehicle and fired shots at the passenger side before jumping back onto the motorcycle and speeding away.” Read the statement.

The vehicle’s driver and another passenger, who were both unharmed in the attack, rushed the injured MP to Nairobi Hospital, but medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander confirmed the identity of the deceased as Charles Were, MP for Kasipul. “The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and premeditated,” the statement from the National Police Service read.

While condemning the killing, NPS noted that senior police commanders and detectives arrived at the scene of the crime and launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“At this stage, it is too early to provide further details. Senior police commanders and detectives are at the scene, piecing together the circumstances surrounding the death. National Police Service condemns this heinous and senseless crime and will spare no effort in investigating the matter.”

Police are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer, or call the toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203).