Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo.
At around 6:18pm on June 2, 2019, two men allied to Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were — who was shot dead on Wednesday night in Nairobi — attacked and stabbed a man at Greenville Hotel in Oyugis.
The victim, Kenneth Jabuya, had criticised the MP. CCTV footage showed the legislator unmoved as the stabbing occurred. Jabuya survived, thanks to the swift intervention of hotel staff.
It wasn’t the first time violence surrounded the MP. On May 2, 2024, Evans Okoda, a former bodyguard to ex-Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, was murdered in Oyugis.
Police linked Ken-Kennedy Ogolla Osano, a driver attached to the NG-CDF office under Were, to the killing through call data. The murder sparked outrage, with locals accusing the MP’s inner circle of orchestrating attacks on dissenters.
“He had blood on his hands,” said Odoyo Owidi, a local politician. “Many were maimed or or-phaned because of him.” Other incidents - including funeral brawls, knife attacks, and youth-led beatings -were reportedly linked to his supporters.
Victims like Collins Otieno, who claimed he was assaulted after vying against Were as an independent candidate, said they fled the region in fear.
Grief and shock gripped Kachien Village in Kasipul on May 1, 2025, as heartbroken constituents and relatives gathered at the home of slain Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were.
Police denied any formal complaints had ever been filed against the MP, despite circulating videos and viral photos showing victims of machete and knife attacks allegedly linked to him.
“No case was brought to my attention,” said Rachuonyo South Police Commander Philemon Saera.
Videos have also emerged showing Were claiming that some people were out to harm him, and calling on security agencies to take action.
Former Ndhiwa MP Agostino Neto described Were as a man who was both loved and loathed. “The late Sir Charles was liked and hated in equal measure depending on what side you found yourself on. Many things were said about him - both good and bad. He had a brute nature that made him adored by some and loathed by others.”
But others painted a different picture. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga remembered “Sir Charles” as brutally honest but misunderstood. “What you saw is what you got,” said the gover-nor. “If he supported you, he would follow through. If he didn’t, he would say it without mincing words. His honesty was often mistaken for arrogance.”
‘Jakowaro’
Mr Were, fondly referred to as ‘Jakowaro’ by his constituents, was described as a man of the people - perhaps more than the average politician. Locals eulogised him as someone who ensured children went to school by paying their fees through the NG-CDF.
They said he loved the public and spent his weekends with supporters. His gate was reportedly never closed; anyone was welcome at his home.
Grief and shock gripped Kachien Village in Kasipul on May 1, 2025, as heartbroken constituents and relatives gathered at the home of slain Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were.
His family dismissed claims that he was violent. They believe his death was politically motivated, especially linked to the contest for the Homa Bay ODM chairmanship, which has drawn fierce rivalry among local leaders.
Mr Paul Juma, his brother, said the legislator publicly named individuals he believed were targeting him.
“He did not get any help despite raising alarm about those who wanted to attack him. We are asking for justice for our kin,” he said.
Grief and shock gripped Kachien Village in Kasipul on May 1, 2025, as heartbroken constituents and relatives gathered at the home of slain Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were.
Mr James Were said the MP had mentioned meetings held to plan his execution. “Some people in the government may have played a role,” he said.
Mr Dalmas Otieno, the MP’s elder brother, said the death shocked the family and urged Kasipul residents to remain peaceful as they mourn.
Ms Pauline Odhiambo, a resident, said the MP often used his own resources to help orphans and widows.
