Throughout Kenya’s political history, several key leaders have lost their lives through targeted assassinations. Most of these killings happened during periods of political unrest and uncertainty, leaving the country in shock and pain.
These violent acts not only shook the nation but also left a lasting scar on Kenya’s political landscape. Many citizens were left questioning the intentions and integrity of the governments in power at the time, as the murders appeared to be politically motivated.
Each political assassination deepened divisions among leaders, triggered protests, or inspired new waves of activism.
In some cases, it also created a fearful atmosphere, especially among those who were outspoken or seen as reformers.
Some of the most notable political assassinations in Kenya include Pio Gama Pinto, Tom Mboya, JM Kariuki, Tony Ndilinge, Mugabe Were, George Muchai, and the most recent case involving Kasipul MP Charles Were.
Following the killing of Charles Were, Newshub.co.ke takes a closer look at the stories behind each of these tragic deaths.
Tom Mboya
Tom Mboya was one of Kenya’s most influential leaders during the independence era. He was assassinated on July 5, 1969, along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
At the time of his murder, Mboya was serving as the Minister for Economic Planning. He was only 39 years old when he was shot and killed.
His assassination triggered anger and sorrow across the country, as many believed his death was linked to his rising political influence and strong stance on national issues.
Although a suspect was arrested and convicted for the murder, a large section of the public remained convinced that powerful political forces were behind it.
Mboya was later laid to rest in a mausoleum built in his honor on Rusinga Island, where people still visit to pay tribute.
JM Kariuki
Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, popularly known as JM Kariuki, was a bold and vocal politician who served during the presidency of Jomo Kenyatta. He was assassinated in 1975 under mysterious and brutal circumstances.
His body was discovered in Ngong Forest by a herd boy. It was a horrifying sight — his hands had been severed, his eyes gouged out, and his face burned with acid, indicating a cruel and deliberate killing.
The murder sparked nationwide protests. Students from the University of Nairobi led massive demonstrations in the streets of the capital, demanding justice.
Despite public outcry, the mystery of who exactly killed Kariuki remains unsolved to this day.
Pio Gama Pinto
Pio Gama Pinto was a respected journalist, political activist, and freedom fighter of Goan heritage. He holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first political figure to be assassinated in independent Kenya.
On February 24, 1965, Pinto was shot at close range while waiting in his driveway. He was with his daughter at the time of the attack.
His death came just two years after Kenya gained independence and set a dark precedent for future political killings in the country.
Tony Ndilinge
Tony Ndilinge, who once served as the Member of Parliament for Kilome, was assassinated in 2001.
He was gunned down by unknown attackers who shot him twice in the head while he was parking his car outside a bar in Githurai Estate, Nairobi.
Ndilinge was known for his strong criticism of President Daniel arap Moi’s regime, and his murder was seen by many opposition leaders as politically driven. The circumstances surrounding his death raised questions that were never fully answered.
Mugabe Were
Mugabe Were, the former MP for Embakasi constituency, was assassinated on January 29, 2008. His death came during a highly sensitive time — just weeks after the controversial 2007 general elections that sparked widespread post-election violence.
Were was attacked and killed near his home in Nairobi. His assassination worsened the already volatile situation in the country, fueling more anger and chaos at a time when Kenya was deeply divided along ethnic and political lines.
George Muchai
George Muchai, who served as the MP for Kabete, was assassinated in 2015 under tragic circumstances.
He was returning from a dinner with his family when unknown assailants ambushed him near the Kenyatta Avenue-Uhuru Highway roundabout in Nairobi.
The gunmen blocked his vehicle and opened fire, killing Muchai and his two bodyguards on the spot. Interestingly, Muchai had survived a previous attempt on his life in 2011.
His killing raised serious concerns about political safety and the threats faced by outspoken leaders.
Charles Were
The most recent case is that of Charles Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul constituency, who was shot dead on Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025, along Ngong Road near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.
According to a police report, the MP was seated in a white Toyota Crown vehicle that had stopped at a red light around 7:30 p.m.
A motorcycle carrying two people pulled up beside his car. The passenger on the motorcycle stepped off, walked up to the car, and shot Were several times before escaping on the same bike.
Bystanders rushed to help, and the MP was taken to Nairobi Hospital, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His death shocked the nation and raised fresh fears about the safety of political leaders in the country.
These assassinations have deeply affected the political climate in Kenya. Each case has left many questions unanswered, fueling suspicion, fear, and public mistrust.
While investigations have been conducted in most cases, full justice has remained elusive. The deaths of these leaders continue to serve as chilling reminders of the dangers that come with political power in Kenya.
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