New leads emerge in Ong’ondo Were’s murder as DCI eyes more suspects
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced significant progress in the probe into the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, with authorities now pursuing additional suspects believed to be involved in the assassination of the parliamentarian.
In a statement issued Monday, May 5, 2025, DCI revealed that surveillance footage, financial proceeds, and the identification of a vehicle used to drop off the suspects are among the key evidence now guiding investigators in reconstructing the events surrounding the fatal shooting.
“The investigation has yielded several key exhibits that are crucial to the case. These exhibits—surveillance footage, the identification of the vehicle used to drop off the suspects, the financial proceeds found, and the connections to accompanying suspects—are pivotal in advancing the investigation and understanding the events surrounding Hon. Ong’ondo Were’s tragic murder,” DCI stated.
DCI further confirmed that four suspects arrested in connection with the murder had been arraigned before the JKIA Court on Monday, where detectives secured a 30-day custodial order to allow for further investigations.
“The four suspects arrested were presented before the JKIA Court today, May 5, 2025, where investigators secured a 30-day custodial order to facilitate further investigations. The case is scheduled for mention on June 5, 2025,” DCI added.
According to the DCI, specialised units, including homicide and forensic teams, have been deployed to uncover the motive behind the assassination of the legislator and aid in the pursuit of more suspects.
“Investigators are actively pursuing additional suspects believed to be involved in this heinous act. Specialised units, including homicide and forensic teams, are working diligently to uncover all aspects of the crime, including the motive, to ensure a comprehensive investigation,” the agency said.
Autopsy findings
The statement comes hours after Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor confirmed that the late legislator died from multiple internal injuries caused by gunshots.
Speaking on Monday, May 5, 2025, after the postmortem examination at the Lee Funeral Home, Oduor stated that the MP was shot five times, with bullets striking vital organs including the heart, liver, and aorta.
“Charles was shot a total of five times. There were two entry gunshot wounds on the left forearm, with one bullet lodging in the same forearm and one exiting,” he said.
“There were two entry bullet wounds on the right side of the chest, with an exit on the right side, but one lodged in the spine. Then there was a bullet track on the back with the entry on the upper part of the back with the bullet lodged in the upper part of the upper back, which we took samples for ballistic analysis,” he further detailed.
He added that the injuries to the vital organs made survival impossible and noted there were no other physical injuries on the body.
