Speaker Wetang’ula mourns ‘fearless’ Were, urges thorough probe into MP’s shooting

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has described Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were, who was shot dead on Wednesday evening in Nairobi, as a fearless and committed public servant.

Were was gunned down in traffic along Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout, by two assailants riding a motorbike, according to eyewitness reports.

In a social media post late evening, Wetang’ula condemned the shooting as “callous and cowardly” and praised the late MP as a “fearless advocate for his constituents, and a man deeply committed to the democratic ideals and service to the people he represented.”

“The loss of Hon. Were is not just a tragedy to his family and the people of Kasipul but also a big loss to the people of Kenya,” said the Speaker.

And as the circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, he urged security agencies to probe the matter thoroughly to bring those behind Were’s death to book.

“The leadership of Parliament is actively engaged and will continue to monitor the progress of investigations while remaining in close contact with the bereaved family,” Wetang’ula said.

“May his courage, service, and sacrifice never be forgotten,” he added.

In the shooting incident, one of the gunmen reportedly alighted from the motorbike and opened fire at close range.

He appeared to have specifically targeted the MP, as his driver escaped the incident unharmed.