Police now say some of the suspects in the murder of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were were paid in US dollars, with cash recovered during arrests believed to be proceeds of the crime. According to Inspector General Douglas Kanja, the money is among key exhibits, alongside surveillance footage, a vehicle used in the murder, and forensic data.
One suspect was found with Sh615,000 at his Nairobi home, while another admitted receiving Sh80,000 to transport unknown individuals to a petrol station near the murder site. Yet another suspect claimed to have been paid Sh850,000, part of which was recovered in US currency.
Authorities suspect a politically motivated hit, citing that the crime was carefully planned through multiple meetings and that the suspects include a parastatal board member, Were’s driver and bodyguard, a parastatal driver, and an aspiring politician.
Investigators also recovered firearms—including one pistol forensically linked to the murder and three previous robberies. Forensic evidence has been critical in linking four suspects to the crime scene. The murder weapon, a Sarsilmaz pistol, matched bullets found during an autopsy that showed MP Were was shot five times from the left side.
The MP was ambushed on April 30 while in traffic along Ngong Road. A pillion passenger on a motorcycle approached and opened fire before fleeing. Despite being rushed to Nairobi Hospital by his bodyguard and driver, Were was declared dead on arrival.
Police are expanding their probe through financial tracking, mobile phone forensics, and further interviews, with 10 suspects currently in custody. The case will be mentioned in court on June 5.
