Gunmen riding on a motorcycle has reportedly shot and killed Kenyan Member of Parliament, Charles Were, on Wednesday evening April 30, 2025, in Nairobi, in what police describe as a targeted assassination.
According to Citizen TV, the attack occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time.
Were, who represented the Kasipul constituency in western Kenya, was ambushed while driving through the capital.
Police reports and witness accounts confirm that two assailants on a motorcycle followed the lawmaker’s vehicle before one of them dismounted and opened fire at close range.
The gunman reportedly fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Were.
His driver survived the attack and is assisting police with investigations.
Emergency responders transported Were to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, the Nairobi Police Command confirmed that the killing appeared premeditated.
” Initial assessments suggest this was a well-planned and targeted attack,” said a senior police official.
“We are pursuing all leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.”
As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made, and authorities have not released details regarding a possible motive.
Were was a member of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He had served in Parliament as a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and social development.
ODM leaders described the murder as a tragic loss and called for a swift and impartial investigation.
In a statement on Thursday, Odinga condemned the killing, saying, “This is a direct attack on democracy. Charles was a dedicated leader whose voice will be deeply missed.”
Kenya’s Parliament observed a moment of silence in Were’s memory during its Thursday session.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, condemned the killing as “barbaric and unacceptable,” urging law enforcement to prioritize the case.
President William Ruto also expressed his condolences to Were’s family and constituents.
“This is a sad day for Kenya. We must bring those responsible to justice,” the president said in a statement released by State House.
Security agencies have since heightened surveillance and patrols across Nairobi, especially around government offices and key infrastructure.
The assassination has resulted in public outrage and reignited concerns over growing insecurity and attacks on public officials.
Citizens and civil society groups have demanded urgent government action to address the rising trend.
Investigations into the killing of Charles Were remain ongoing.
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