MPs Millie Odiambo, Caleb Amisi recall final words, moments before Ong'ondo Were's assassination

In a chilling twist of fate, Kasipul Kabondo MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead in Nairobi just hours after confiding in a colleague that “things aren’t good”.

The lawmaker was attacked by gunmen on a motorbike late Wednesday, in what police are calling a targeted killing.

One of the assailants dismounted and shot him at close range before fleeing the scene. His driver and bodyguard, who escaped unhurt, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Moments before his death, Ong’ondo had spent time in Parliament with colleagues, engaging in casual conversation, a normal day that has now turned into a nightmare for those who shared it with him.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, in a post on X, disclosed Were had expressed things were not good.

“I was with my colleague just this afternoon in parliament; we chatted, laughed, and he told me I need a conversation with you, mambo si mazuri. His exact words. Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking,” the post read.

I was with my colleague just this afternoon in parliament,chatted,laughed, and he told me I need a conversation with you ,mambo si mazuri. His exact words . Five hours later, he is no more. The news is shocking. #RIP#OngondoWere pic.twitter.com/p4qmBHKRLx

— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) April 30, 2025

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo was also stunned by the tragic turn of events. She described seeing him seated in his usual spot just a day earlier.

“He appeared distracted, unlike his usual self.  I wanted to go and say hi, but they were conversing with Hon Obara and another member. Decided to wait a bit but they appeared to talk for long. 30 to 40 minutes later, I see someone in one of our groups asking if what he is hearing is true. I could not wrap my mind around someone dead 30 or so minutes after you see him alive and well,” she wrote on her Facebook.

In videos trending on social media platforms, the late Ong’ondo had raised concerns about threats to his life.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed the fatal shooting, stating, “The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined.”

President William Ruto condemned the killing and ordered a thorough probe. He said, “Those responsible must be held to account,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula mourned the MP as a “fearless and distinguished” legislator, describing his death as “devastating”.