Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor has confirmed that the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ongondo Were, died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
Addressing the media on Monday afternoon at the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, Dr. Oduor revealed details of the autopsy carried out earlier in the day.
The postmortem, which was conducted in the presence of independent observers including a family-appointed pathologist, revealed that Hon. Were suffered several gunshot wounds inflicted at close range, suggesting a targeted execution.
“The nature of the injuries and the trajectory of the bullets indicate that the deceased was shot multiple times at close range. There were no signs of struggle or defensive wounds, which suggests that he was taken by surprise,” said Dr. Oduor.
While he did not disclose the exact number of gunshots for investigative reasons, Dr. Oduor noted that the wounds were consistent with what he termed an “execution-style” killing.
He added that toxicological tests have been conducted and results are expected in the coming days to rule out any chemical involvement prior to death.
Hon. Ongondo Were’s death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape and his home constituency in Homa Bay County, where he was serving his second term in Parliament.
The 52-year-old legislator was declared after being rushed to Nairobi Hospital, prompting immediate investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Sources close to the investigation have hinted that Hon. Were was ambushed shortly after leaving a political meeting in parliament and gunmen trailed him with a motorcycle before firing six bullets at his car ,killing him.
Police are said to be reviewing CCTV footage and phone records to piece together the final hours before his death.
Dr. Oduor affirmed that his office is working closely with law enforcement and will provide all necessary forensic findings to aid the ongoing investigation.
“Our role is to give clarity on the cause of death through science, and we have completed that part today. The rest will depend on the DCI and the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he added.
In the meantime, Hon. Were’s family has appealed for calm and urged the public to allow authorities to carry out thorough investigations.
A funeral date is yet to be announced, though preparations are already underway in his Kasipul home.
