Detectives have recovered two pistols—one of which is believed to have been used in the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were—in a significant breakthrough in the ongoing murder investigation.
The firearms were found Tuesday night in a house in the Chokaa area of Kayole following an intensive, daylong search. Authorities confirmed that one of the pistols is undergoing ballistic analysis to determine its ownership and previous use.
In addition to the weapons, detectives also recovered a bag and a pair of shoes worn by the prime suspect on the day of the killing. Investigators described the discovery as a major development in the case.
visited the home of the MP for Kasipul the late Hon. Ong’ondo Were to condole with the family following his brutal murder in Nairobi. He described the slain legislator as a courageous and honest leader who served his people with dedication.
“This is a breakthrough because the recoveries are key in the case,” said a detective familiar with the probe.
Earlier forensic analysis had linked bullets recovered from the MP’s body and the crime scene to at least three other violent incidents in Nairobi’s Komarock and Kayole areas, and Ndumberi in Kiambu County.
MP Were, who was serving his second term in Parliament, was gunned down on April 30 along Valley Road near the City Mortuary. His driver and bodyguard, seated in the vehicle at the time, escaped unharmed. The bodyguard pursued the assailant briefly before rushing the critically wounded MP to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have since arrested four suspects: William Imoli Shighali alias Omar Shakur, Juma Ali Haikal, Douglas Muchiri Wambugu, and David Mihigo Kagame. A JKIA Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted detectives permission to detain the suspects for 30 days pending further investigation.
Shighali, Wambugu, and Kagame were arrested at a lounge in Roysambu. Their interrogation led police to the Pangani residence of Juma Ali Haikal, a serving police officer, where they recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the assassination.
Authorities also recovered damning evidence, including several police uniforms, mobile phones, and KSh615,000 in cash found at one suspect’s home—believed to be payment for the hit. At Shighali’s residence, police discovered more uniforms, multiple mobile phones, and over USD 4,800 in cash. All items are currently undergoing forensic examination.
In a separate search at Haikal’s residence, investigators recovered ammunition, teargas canisters, and other tactical paraphernalia. CCTV footage described by prosecutors as “pivotal” shows a suspect believed to be Shighali trailing MP Were along Wabera Street while carrying a bag suspected to have concealed the murder weapon. The boots he wore were later recovered from Haikal’s home.
Court filings revealed that the suspects were in communication before and after the murder. “Thousands of minutes of CCTV footage have been reviewed to reconstruct the final moments of the late MP,” prosecutors told the court. Nine live rounds of ammunition were also recovered from one of the residences.
Detectives now believe the assassination may have been orchestrated by a well-financed, organized criminal network. More suspects, including another police officer accused of playing a central role in coordinating the operation, are being pursued. That officer is believed to have used a newly registered mobile number—now deactivated and found to be under a false identity—to direct the mission.
Investigations are ongoing.
