Pistol recovered by police linked to fatal shooting of Charles Ong’ondo Were – IG Kanja
A Sarsilmaz pistol, recovered from the residence of one of the persons of interest in the assassination of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, has been confirmed to have been used in the crime.
Speaking on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that at least 10 persons have been arrested so far to aid in investigations.
“Through meticulous forensic work, four suspects directly linked to the crime scene were arrested. Some of them are believed to be members of the “Mjahidini,” an organised criminal gang known for armed robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area. On May 5, 2025, the four suspects were presented before the JKIA Court, where investigators secured a 30-day custodial order to facilitate further inquiries. The case is scheduled for mention on June 5, 2025,” Kanja stated.
Two additional suspects have been apprehended. Following their arrest, the two led investigators to a residence where key evidence was recovered, including two firearms: A Retay Falcon pistol and a Sarsilmaz pistol, a bag and footwear matching descriptions of items worn by one of the suspects at the crime scene. All recovered items were submitted for forensic examination. Furthermore, two more key suspects were arrested yesterday, bringing the number of suspects in custody to ten.”
According to Kanja, the pistol has been used to commit other crimes in the country including three separate robbery incidents across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, with the most recent crime occurring on April 26, 2025.
The police are banking on surveillance footage capturing critical moments before and after the incident, identification of a vehicle used to transport the suspects to the crime scene and financial proceeds linked to the suspects to crack the case.
Were’s death
Were was shot dead on April 30, 2025, at around 7:40 pm while driving in a white Toyota Crown along Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.
Police say the vehicle had stopped at a red traffic light when a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger pulled alongside. The pillion passenger approached the passenger’s side of the vehicle, fired multiple shots, and fled the scene on the motorcycle. The driver and the bodyguard, both unharmed, rushed Were to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver and the bodyguard were taken into custody to assist in the ongoing probe.
According to an autopsy conducted on May 2, 2025, by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, Were sustained five gunshot wounds, all entering from the left side of his body.
Two bullets were recovered during the autopsy, and a third was found in the deceased’s vehicle.
“This progress demonstrates the NPS’s commitment to resolving this case with the highest standards of professionalism and diligence. We will continue to pursue all leads, analyse forensic evidence, and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” Kanja pledged.
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Francis Muli
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