NAIROBI — Kenyan detectives have arrested another suspect in the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Were, shedding new light on what investigators say was a well-organized and planned attack.
The suspect, Amos Barasa Kasili, was picked up in the Kibera Darajani area of Nairobi, weeks after the April 30 shooting that left the MP dead near Parliament buildings. He is accused of being the motorcycle rider who helped trail Were’s car and later ferried the killers away from the scene.
Police say forensic evidence placed Barasa at the crime scene and linked him directly to the main suspects already in custody.
“He was the rider of the motorcycle seen on CCTV footage tailing the MP’s vehicle,” a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer told news sources on condition of anonymity. “He later used the same bike as the getaway vehicle.”
The motorcycle in question black Bajaj Boxer, registration number KMFZ 413W was found in Barasa’s possession at the time of his arrest. Investigators believe it is the same bike captured on multiple security cameras near the scene.
According to the DCI, Barasa admitted during questioning that he was hired for the job and paid KSh50,000. Detectives say his confession includes details about his role in the plot and how he came to work with the alleged gunmen.
“Barasa is known to us,” a senior investigator said. “He poses as a boda boda rider but has a history of working with armed gangs. He served time at Industrial Area Prison, where we believe he first connected with others involved in this killing.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the primary suspects or the possible motive behind the MP’s murder. However, police sources say more arrests are expected.
The attack on Charles Were shocked the political establishment. He was known for his sharp criticism of graft and had called for reforms in security and public spending. His sudden death triggered public mourning and calls for swift justice.
Barasa is being held in police custody and is expected to be charged in the coming days. Investigators say they are still piecing together the broader network behind the killing.
“The arrest is a breakthrough,” said one senior officer. “But the job is not done.”
