Police officers have arrested a bodaboda rider in Kibera who allegedly confessed to playing a critical role in the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. According to police sources, the suspect, Amos Baraza, claimed he was paid Ksh 50,000 to ferry the assassin to and from the crime scene.
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Confession and Motorcycle Recovery
Baraza was nabbed on the night of Tuesday, May 13, during a targeted operation in Kibera’s Laini Saba area. He reportedly admitted to owning the motorbike used in the getaway, which was recovered from his house by detectives.
The suspect said he did not initially know the victim was a Member of Parliament and only discovered the details later through local discussions.
Suspect Timeline and Escape Trail
Following the fatal shooting on April 30 near City Mortuary, Baraza ferried the assassin back to Parliament and then picked up another client to Kiamaiko before returning to Kibera. His arrest brings the total number of suspects in police custody to 12.
More Suspects Linked to the Hit
Another key suspect, Isaac Kuria alias “Kush”, was apprehended over the weekend at the Kenya-Tanzania border in Isebania. Kuria was reportedly attempting to flee the country after the murder. Investigations show he was part of the motorbike hit squad and later disposed of the murder weapon in Kayole. The weapon was later recovered and confirmed via ballistic testing to have been used in the crime.
Kuria’s escape trail included stops in Mihango, Narok, and eventually Isebania, where he was arrested in a lodging while coordinating a border crossing with a relative in Tanzania.
High-Profile Detainees and Financiers
Police have already detained the MP’s bodyguard Allan Omondi, driver Walter Owino, and William Imoli, believed to be a planner and financier. Others include former UDA politician Ebel Ochieng and businessman Phillip Aroko, alleged to have funded the hit. More details about Ochieng’s role are available in this related story: Why ex-UDA’s Ebel Ochieng paid to kill MP Charles Were – DCI.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says it is pursuing several other suspects and is analyzing phone records and financial transactions to establish motive and connections.
Well-Orchestrated Political Assassination
Investigators believe the killing of MP Were was a calculated political assassination. Meetings to plan the hit reportedly took place within and outside Nairobi. Police say at least three more suspects are still at large.
The investigation continues as DCI intensifies efforts to bring all culprits to justice and unravel the full scope of the political conspiracy behind the murder.
