Detectives have arrested and detained the driver and bodyguard of the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were for questioning over inconsistencies in their statements regarding his assassination.
The two, who were unharmed during the shooting that killed the MP in Nairobi’s Valley Road traffic on April 30, were picked up on Tuesday night. Authorities say they are currently considered persons of interest in the ongoing murder probe. Post-mortem results confirmed the MP was shot five times, with bullets damaging vital organs, including the heart.
According to eyewitness accounts, the gunman approached the MP’s vehicle during a traffic jam and opened fire before escaping on a motorcycle. The bodyguard allegedly pursued the attacker briefly before returning to the vehicle and helping rush the MP to Nairobi Hospital.
Detectives are using the duo to reconstruct events leading to the assassination. Four additional suspects are already in custody. One was found with Sh615,000 in cash—suspected payment for the killing—along with police uniforms and multiple mobile phones under analysis.
The suspects led detectives to a Pangani residence belonging to police officer Juma Ali Hikal, where a vehicle allegedly used in the hit was recovered. Forensic teams also retrieved ammunition, teargas canisters, and other police gear.
Court documents show that the suspects communicated before and after the murder. CCTV footage captured one suspect, Shighali, trailing the MP on Wabera Street carrying a bag thought to contain the murder weapon and wearing police boots later linked to Hikal.
The probe suggests the involvement of a well-coordinated criminal network with access to significant resources. Investigators are now pursuing more suspects, including a police officer accused of using a fake-identity SIM card to coordinate the operation.
A JKIA court has granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations 30 days to hold the suspects as investigations continue.
