MP Charles Were's close associates linked to his murder, Murkomen says

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday said investigations have linked some of the slain Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were’s close associates to the legislator’s murder.

The MP was shot dead on Wednesday, April 30, in Nairobi evening traffic by a gunman whose accomplice was riding a motorbike.

According to the security minister, detectives have established that some of Were’s allies collaborated with his killers.  

“We have made very significant progress in arresting the perpetrators and their collaborators, and it will shock you to note that this was a heinous crime done in a cavalier manner, involving people who ordinarily should have taken good care of him in his interest,” Murkomen told journalists in Meru.

“The suspects will be brought to book and serve as an example. Their punishment will be an example to anyone who thinks they can run away from the law.”

Earlier in the day, police said they arrested two more suspects in the murder probe.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Edwin Oduor Odhiambo, alias Abdul Rashid, and Dennis Sewe Munyasi led the investigators to Odhiambo's house upon their arrest, where detectives found firearms.

“A bag and footwear matching the description of those worn by one of the suspects at the scene of the incident were also recovered. All items have been submitted for forensic examination,” the investigative agency said.

Four suspects were on Monday arraigned over the MP’s murder. The prosecution said they were pursuing additional suspects, among them a police officer believed to have been key in the killing.

Investigators believe Were’s killing may have been orchestrated by an organised criminal network with access to significant financial resources.