Gun linked to Kasipul MP's murder found as police arrest 10 suspects

As the investigations into the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong'ondo Were intensified, the gun believed to have been used in the murder of the MP was found.  

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Thursday said that a forensic analysis of the firearms collected directly links one of the pistols to the shots that killed the MP.

According to Kanja, two guns- a Retay Falcon pistol and a Sarsilmaz pistol were recovered from the suspect’s apartment.

He said that a forensic investigation yielded critical evidence, including ballistic confirmation linking a recovered firearm to Were’s death.

He said that the progress is a testament to the State’s resolve to uphold justice, protect citizens, and bring perpetrators to book.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Petition filed to have detained Aroko presented in court 'dead or alive'
• 
  Residents confused as Ruto lies grow bigger
• 
  MP Were murder: Suspects arraigned, not charged
• 
  Police identify murder weapon linked to Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were

Kanja said that ballistic tests revealed that the weapon has also been connected to three previous robbery incidents in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties.

Through a swift deployment of forensic teams, use of advanced ballistics, and public cooperation, Kanja said the police also dismantled a gang linked to multiple crimes. 

According to detectives, a bag and footwear matching descriptions of items worn by one of the suspects at the crime scene were also recovered.

"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," he said. 

Mr. Kanja said the firearm has been implicated in three other separate robbery incidents across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, with the most recent crime occurring on April 26, 2025.

The second term legislator was gunned down on May 30 at around 7.40 pm near City Mortuary roundabout by a pillion passenger riding on a motorcycle.

His driver and the bodyguard, both unharmed, rushed Were to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo assured the public of government's commitment to establish the motive behind the killing of the MP.

"It is too early to speculate about the motive but at least the update, with regards to firearms, it is clear it is the same gun used in shooting the MP," Omollo said. 

He urged for calm during Were's funeral service on Friday, 9, even as he announced that proper security had been put in place to ensure order during the burial ceremony.

"We expect everything to be okay. We urge for calm because we need to give him (MP) a decent send off. We expect the ceremony will be peaceful. We have several government agencies working with the leadership of Homabay county to ensure peace," said Omollo.

Kanja emphasised that "proper security arrangements have been put to ensure that peace prevail during the funeral."

During the status update on Thursday, the police boss also revealed that two more suspects linked to the murder were arrested on Wednesday night, bringing the total number of those apprehended to 10.

This happens even as the police holds, for 30 days, four key suspects who were the first to be apprehended and arraigned on May 5 before JKIA court. The mention of the case is scheduled for June 5, 2025. 

Some of the suspects, the police said, are believed to be members of the "Mjahidini," an organised criminal gang known for armed robberies in Nairobi's Eastlands area.

Their arrest, the police said, has provided crucial leads to unravel the mystery, culminating into arrest of the slain MP's driver and bodyguard who are said to have been in communication with the assassins moments before the fatal incident took place. 

On Wednesday night, businessman cum politician Philip Aroko, presented himself at Gigiri Police Station after he was summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

He has been named as a person of interest in the murder of the Kasipul MP, allegations he termed as politically instigated. 

"I saw the governor pushing so much, she was even making phone calls to the police to have me record a statement. I want to tell her that she has achieved that now," Aroko stated.

Aroko was later arrested and booked at Kasarani police station on Thursday noon awaiting arraignment on Friday. 

At the initial stages of the investigations, the IG said a specialised team from the DCI Homicide Bureau, supported by forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory, collected surveillance footage capturing critical moments before and after the incident.

He said the team also managed to identify a vehicle believed to have transported the suspects to the crime scene as well as financial proceeds linked to the suspects.