The history of assassinated Kenyan MPs is a painful narrative of loss, unanswered questions, and the fragility of security.
Pio Gama Pinto (1927-1965)
- Constituency: Parklands
- Assassination: February 24, 1965
Pio Gama Pinto, a dedicated socialist leader and journalist, was the first Kenyan politician assassinated after independence. He was shot at close range in his driveway in the Westlands neighborhood of Parklands, Nairobi, while waiting for his gate to be opened. He was with his daughter in the car at the time. Pinto was a staunch critic of the government and a vocal advocate for the poor. His assassination sent shockwaves through the country. Wikipedia notes that Kisilu Mutua was convicted and imprisoned for the murder, but maintained his innocence, suggesting he was a scapegoat.
Tom Mboya (1930-1969)
- Constituency: Kisumu Town
- Assassination: July 5, 1969
Tom Mboya, a charismatic and influential figure, was gunned down on Government Road (now Moi Avenue) in Nairobi. african.pictures provides images of the tragedy. At the time of his death, he was the Minister for Economic Planning and Development. Mboya was a rising star in Kenyan politics, and his assassination remains a controversial topic. Wikipedia states that Nahashon Isaac Njenga Njoroge was convicted and hanged for the murder, but suspicions of a political conspiracy lingered.
JM Kariuki (1929-1975)
- Constituency: Nyandarua
- Assassination: March 2, 1975
Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, popularly known as ‘JM’, was a socialist politician and a vocal critic of the Kenyatta government. He was last seen alive at the Hilton Hotel, accompanied by Kenyatta’s bodyguard. His mutilated body was found in Ngong Forest. Wikipedia describes the gruesome details: his hands had been chopped off, his eyes were gorged out, and his face was burnt with acid. His murder remains unsolved. University of Nairobi notes that his assassination caused nationwide outrage.
Tony Ndilinge (Unknown-2001)
- Constituency: Kilome
- Death: August 2, 2001
Tony Ndilinge was shot dead in his car in Githurai 44. The Standard reports that two people charged with the murder were acquitted for lack of evidence. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with initial reports suggesting a possible political assassination or a crime of passion.
Mugabe Were (1968-2008)
- Constituency: Embakasi
- Assassination: January 29, 2008
Mellitus Mugabe Were was affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He was shot outside his house in the Nairobi suburb of Woodley. Wikipedia indicates that he was shot three times while waiting for his gate to be opened. Three individuals were eventually convicted of his murder.
George Muchai (1955/6-2015)
- Constituency: Kabete
- Assassination: February 7, 2015
George Muchai, a member of the Jubilee Alliance, was killed along with his two bodyguards and driver in Nairobi. Al Jazeera reported that gunmen rammed his car and opened fire. A briefcase and two pistols were stolen.
Charles Were (30/04/2025)
- Constituency: Kasipul
- Death: 2025
The recent assassination of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, the MP for Kasipul, marks a deeply disturbing addition to this grim history. On the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at approximately 7:30 pm, Hon. Were’s vehicle was ambushed at a red traffic light on Ngong Road in Nairobi. According to eyewitnesses and the National Police Service (NPS), a motorcycle carrying two individuals pulled alongside his car. The pillion passenger dismounted and opened fire at Hon. Were before fleeing on the motorcycle.
Luvisia Digital continues to keep Kenyans informed. We implore the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the investigation of Hon. Were’s assassination and to redouble efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans. The legacy of these fallen leaders demands a commitment to justice. It requires the unwavering pursuit of a society where such tragedies are relegated to the darkest chapters of our past.