Written by Kelly Were
Detectives have arrested Isaac Kuria, alias “Kush,” the suspected gunman behind the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, in a dramatic takedown near the Kenya-Tanzania border in Isebania.
On the day of the murder, Kuria, who is allegedly connected to criminal organisations that operate in Nairobi, is thought to have come to the Central Business District with the sole purpose of killing the lawmaker. According to investigators, he followed Were around before shooting him dead in traffic.
The MP was fatally shot along Valley Road in Nairobi, in what investigators are calling a highly-coordinated political hit.
After the shooting, Kuria reportedly fled to mihango where he disposed of the murder weapon which has been recovered since then, he then proceeded to escape to Narok using a motorbike in an effort to avoid police detection before continuing his journey to Isebania by matatu. The suspect had allegedly been in contact with a relative in Tanzania plotting an escape plan.
Detectives tracked his digital footprint and arrested him in a local lodging. Another suspect found with him was also taken into custody.
Both are scheduled to appear in court at JKIA Law Courts on Monday.
The arrest brings the suspect count to 11, including:
- Allan Omondi (MP’s bodyguard)
- Walter Owino (MP’s driver)
- William Imoli – alleged planner and financier
- Phillip Aroko – businessman and politician
- Ebel Ochieng – Director, Lake Basin Development Authority
- Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi
The plot appears to stretch across political, business, and criminal networks.
The DCI is analyzing financial transactions between the suspects to determine motive and identify the masterminds behind what is being called a meticulously planned assassination.
The murder of MP Were in broad daylight has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, with mounting pressure on authorities to expose the full extent of the conspiracy.
At a small hotel in Isebania, detectives who were keeping an eye on Kuria’s communications with other suspects already under arrest located and detained him. He was located alongside another suspect, who was also taken into custody.
