Ballistic analysis has confirmed that one of the two pistols recovered from a suspect’s residence was used in the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, police have announced.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja revealed on Thursday that the firearm—a Sarsilmaz pistol—was also linked to three other robbery incidents in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
“Today, I stand before you with significant findings from comprehensive ballistic investigations regarding the tragic demise of Charles Were. The ballistic report we have received unequivocally links the Sarsilmaz pistol recovered from the residence of one of the suspects to the fatal shots that took his life,” Kanja said during a press briefing.
According to the IG, the same weapon was used in violent robberies, the latest of which occurred on April 26.
The breakthrough follows the arrest of two more suspects on May 7, bringing the total number of people held over the April 30 murder to ten. During the latest arrests, detectives recovered two pistols—a Retay Falcon and a Sarsilmaz—alongside nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Other items recovered included a bag and a pair of shoes matching those seen worn by one of the suspects captured on CCTV at the crime scene. Forensic tests have since linked one of the pistols to the MP’s murder.
Were was shot five times on the evening of April 30 as he waited in traffic near City Mortuary along Ngong Road. CCTV footage showed a vehicle trailing his car from the Nairobi CBD through Wabera Street, Kenyatta Avenue, and Argwings Kodhek Road before the ambush.
Moments after stopping in traffic, a pillion passenger on a motorbike approached and fired multiple shots at the MP before fleeing.
Among those questioned are the MP’s driver and bodyguard, who have been labelled persons of interest. Several other suspects are believed to be part of an Eastleigh-based gang.
Meanwhile, businessman Philip Nahashon Aroko, named as a person of interest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), surrendered at Gigiri Police Station on Wednesday night. He maintained he had nothing to hide and was ready to cooperate with investigators.
IG Kanja urged the public to share any information that could help bring the perpetrators to justice, reiterating the police service’s commitment to resolving the high-profile case.
