The suspect, identified as Isaac Kuria, alias “Kush”, was apprehended in Isebania near the Kenya-Tanzania border while allegedly planning to flee the country.
According to sources close to the investigation, Kuria is suspected to have carried out the hit on the late MP before launching a calculated escape effort across several counties
Kuria, who is reportedly linked to criminal networks operating within Nairobi, is believed to have traveled to the Central Business District on the day of the murder with a single mission: to assassinate the legislator. Investigators say he trailed Were’s movements before fatally shooting him in traffic.
Following the attack, Kuria is said to have fled to Mihango where he disposed of the murder weapon, which has since been recovered by authorities.
He then embarked on a journey to Narok by motorbike to evade police detection, and from there took a public service vehicle to Isebania. He had allegedly been in communication with a relative in Tanzania, coordinating an escape plan.
Detectives, who were monitoring communications between Kuria and other suspects already in custody, tracked and arrested him at a local lodging in Isebania. Another suspect found with him was also detained.
Both were transferred to Nairobi and are expected to appear at the JKIA Law Courts on Monday.
The arrest brings the total number of suspects in police custody to 11. Among those already detained are Were’s bodyguard Allan Omondi, his driver Walter Owino, and William Imoli, who is believed to have played a central role in planning and financing the assassination.
Others include businessman and politician Phillip Aroko and Lake Basin Development Authority Director Ebel Ochieng—both alleged financiers—along with Edwin Oduor and Dennis Manyasi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has indicated that efforts to apprehend other individuals believed to have been involved in the planning and execution of the murder are ongoing. Detectives are also analyzing financial transactions connected to the suspects, which may shed light on the motive behind the assassination.
Charles Ong’ondo Were was gunned down in traffic in what police believe was a well-orchestrated political hit. The case continues to develop as authorities intensify their crackdown on the wider network behind the killing.
