Ruto Addresses MPs' Fears Over Charles Were Murder

President William Ruto on Sunday, May 4, assured Members of Parliament (MPs) that his government was committed to getting to the bottom of the murder case involving Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were.

Following the assassination of the lawmaker in Nairobi on April 30, 2025, concerns have been raised by MPs over their safety, a section of them urging the National Police Service and other security agencies to enhance their protection.

The murder has rattled Parliament, with several lawmakers now voicing concerns over their personal security. Some MPs admitted they're scared to move around freely, particularly after dark.

While speaking to mourners at the late lawmaker’s home in Kasipul on Saturday, May 3, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma urged the government to move swiftly in uncovering the truth behind the incident, warning that failure to do so could force a rethink of the ODM–UDA alliance.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga backed this stance, emphasising that the recent collaboration between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto should not be mistaken as a green light for injustices against leaders from the Nyanza region.

Responding to the concerns, President Ruto assured that the government is actively working to track down those responsible and ensure justice is served.

Speaking during a church function in Migori on Sunday, May 4, Ruto condemned the killing of Were, assuring that his administration will not condone lawlessness and violence.

"I have told everyone that the government will strive to protect the property and life of every citizen. Recently, we lost one of our MPs, Ong'ondo Were of Kasipul. I want to assure the Homa Bay and Kasipul constituents that those behind the murder will be pursued.

"We will get them; they will not succeed; they will not have anywhere to hide. We will go after them and their collaborators and see that such an act does not recur in our country," Ruto said.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on Sunday, May 4, that detectives had arrested a suspect connected to the fatal shooting of MP Were.

Investigators also recovered a vehicle believed to have been used by the suspect and his accomplices to flee the scene after the attack.

Security cameras had picked up the car along several key roads—including near Parliament Building, City Hall Way, Wabera Street, Kenyatta Avenue, Jakaya Kikwete Road, Argwings Kodhek Road, and Valley Road—the same route the slain MP had taken before he was killed.

The suspect in custody was tracked along these same routes and is now expected to assist with the ongoing investigation. An accomplice to the shooting, who is still at large, is also being pursued by the DCI detectives, who are also pursuing those who rode a sports motorcycle to the same location where Were was murdered.

They include the actual killer who disembarked from the motorcycle that was trailing the MP and shot him four times at close range.