Gunmen Shoot Kenyan Lawmaker Dead In Nairobi In ‘Targeted And Premeditated’ Attack, Say Police

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gunmen riding a motorcycle reportedly shot a Kenyan lawmaker, Charles Were, dead on Wednesday night in the capital, Nairobi, according to local media.

Citizen TV reported that Were, who represented Kasipul constituency in western Kenya, was killed at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time.

“Two gunmen who were trailing him with a motorbike” carried out the attack, Reuters quoted the broadcaster as saying.

It was reported that one of the gunmen dismounted the motorcycle and shot Were at close range, while his driver survived the attack.

Were was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival by doctors on duty.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s police have said the fatal shooting of the lawmaker by a gunman aboard a motorcycle appeared to be targeted and premeditated.

However, no immediate arrests were reported, and authorities have not released details on the motive for the attack. An investigation is underway.

Were was a member of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party led by veteran politician Raila Odinga, who lost the 2022 presidential election to William Ruto.

Odinga, who initially rejected the election results citing irregularities, has since reached an agreement with President Ruto aimed at addressing Kenya’s political and economic challenges.