Ong'ondo Were, George Muchai, 5 other prominent Kenyan politicians killed in cold blood

When Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated on April 30, 2025, it was a chilling reminder of a deadly pattern in Kenyan politics.

Were joined a tragic list of leaders violently cut down, some in broad daylight, others under mysterious circumstances, but all linked by bullets and political shadows.

Charles Ong’ondo Were (2025)

Ong’ondo Were was shot five times at close range while stuck in Nairobi traffic near City Mortuary. Two men on a motorcycle approached his vehicle.

One calmly walked up to the MP’s window and fired, then vanished into the night. His driver was left unharmed, raising suspicions that this was a carefully targeted hit.

The Kasipul MP had risen from the business world, leading Victoria Cleaning Services, Metrokaam Properties and Benga Group Holdings before joining politics.

He was elected to Parliament in 2017 on an ODM ticket and re-elected in 2022. Police have made several arrests, and DCI is investigating.

George Muchai (2015)

In February 2015, Kabete MP George Muchai was ambushed in Nairobi’s CBD. His car was sprayed with bullets near the Kenyatta Avenue–Uhuru Highway roundabout.

He died alongside his bodyguards, Samuel Kailikia and Samuel Matanta, and his driver, Stephen Wambugu.

A seasoned trade unionist and Jubilee MP, Muchai was known for challenging powerful interests.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions closed the case a decade later, with several suspects arrested but no clear conclusion drawn.

David Kimutai Too (2008)

Ainamoi MP David Kimutai Too was gunned down in Eldoret by police officer Andrew Moache. The officer also killed a policewoman, Eunice Chepkwony, allegedly involved with both men.

Officially labelled a love triangle gone wrong, many believed it was politically driven.

Too had won his seat under ODM and came from the Kalenjin community, which backed Raila Odinga.

His death on January 31, 2008, during a volatile post-election period, triggered further chaos. His brother Benjamin Langat would later win the seat in a by-election.

Melitus Mugabe Were (2008)

On January 29, 2008, Embakasi MP Melitus Mugabe Were was shot outside his home in Woodley Estate, Nairobi.

He was in his car waiting for his gate to open. His wife rushed him to hospital, but he died on arrival.

Were had just won on an ODM ticket and was focused on peacebuilding amid election tensions. His assassination sparked outrage.

Three men, James Omondi (Castro), Wycliffe Simiyu (Zimbo), and Paul Otieno (Baba), were convicted in 2015.

Robert Ouko (1990)

Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Ouko was found dead in Muhoroni on February 13, 1990, days after mysteriously disappearing.

He had served under both Kenyatta and Moi and was respected internationally.

Though a 2010 parliamentary report hinted at government involvement, internal disagreements muddied the findings.

To this day, Ouko’s murder remains Kenya’s most prominent political whodunit.

JM Kariuki (1975)

JM Kariuki was a charismatic Nyandarua MP and fearless critic of government excesses.

Known for his famous quote, “Kenya cannot be a country of 10 millionaires and 10 million beggars”, Kariuki vanished after being seen at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi on March 2, 1975.

His tortured body was found nine days later in Ngong Hills. JM’S murder exposed the brutal side of early Kenyan politics and left a permanent scar on the country’s political conscience.

Tom Mboya (1969)

At just 38, Tom Mboya was gunned down on Moi Avenue in Nairobi, a bold assassination of one of Kenya’s most brilliant political minds.

A likely successor to Jomo Kenyatta, Mboya held top cabinet roles and enjoyed global support.

His death on July 5, 1969, sent shockwaves across the country and ignited ethnic and political tensions.

Pio Gama Pinto (1965)

Pinto, a journalist, independence hero, and nominated MP, was one of the earliest victims of post-independence political violence.

He was shot outside his Westlands home on February 24, 1965.

A close ally of Tom Mboya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Pinto had been critical of land injustices and rising corruption.

His assassination signalled that freedom had come, but safety for dissidents had not.