Prime Suspect in Kasipul MP Charles Were’s Killing Arrested

• May 12, 2025

Detectives investigating the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were have arrested the suspected gunman, Isaac Kuria, near the Kenya-Tanzania border as he allegedly tried to flee the country.

Kuria, also known by the alias “Kush,” was captured in Isebania after a cross-county manhunt. Police believe he was the shooter who gunned down MP Were along Valley Road in Nairobi before attempting a carefully planned escape. According to investigators, Kuria had links to criminal gangs in Nairobi and traveled to the Central Business District with one mission: to assassinate the legislator.

Detectives say Kuria closely monitored Were’s movements and ambushed him while his vehicle was stuck in traffic. After the fatal shooting, he escaped to Mihango, where he disposed of the murder weapon. Authorities have since recovered the firearm.

Kuria’s escape route took him from Mihango by motorcycle to Narok, and then by public transport to Isebania. Investigators suspect he was coordinating his movements with a relative in Tanzania, who was assisting in his escape plan.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers had been monitoring Kuria’s communication with other suspects already in custody. This surveillance led them to a lodging in Isebania, where Kuria was arrested alongside another suspect. Both were transported back to Nairobi and are scheduled to appear before the JKIA Law Courts on Monday.

Kuria’s arrest brings the number of suspects in custody to 11. Among them are MP Were’s own bodyguard, Allan Omondi, his driver Walter Owino, and William Imoli, who is believed to have played a major role in planning and financing the hit. Also detained are businessman and politician Phillip Aroko and Lake Basin Development Authority Director Ebel Ochieng, both suspected of funding the assassination. Other suspects include Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi.

The DCI has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with efforts to apprehend more individuals linked to the broader conspiracy. Authorities are also reviewing financial records associated with the suspects to help establish the motive behind the murder.

Detectives believe Charles Ong’ondo Were’s assassination was a well-orchestrated political killing involving a network of influential individuals. Security agencies continue to tighten the net around those suspected of being part of this complex and high-profile case.