Charles Ong’ondo Biography: Age, Family, Net Worth

 

Charles Ong’ondo Were was a prominent Kenyan politician, businessman, and two‑term Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County. His career combined private enterprise and public service. Tragically, his life and career came to a sudden end in April 2025 when he was assassinated in Nairobi, an event that shocked many Kenyans and raised concerns about security for public officials.

This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of his life: his background, education, political journey, family, net worth, controversies, and legacy.

Biography: Early Life, Education, and Family

Early Life and Roots

Charles Ong’ondo Were was born in the early 1970s (around 1973/1974) in the Karabok area of Homa Bay County. He grew up in this region and later attended local schools for his basic education.

He began primary school at Karabok Primary School, completing his Certificate of Primary Education around 1982. For secondary education, he went to Oyugis Secondary School, earning his Kenya Certificate of Education by 1986.

Later Education

After many years away from formal schooling, Were returned to pursue higher education starting in 2011. He undertook a Certificate in County Governance at Meru University from 2011 to 2012. He then enrolled at Mount Kenya University, where he studied Business Management  earning a Diploma (2013–2014) and later a Bachelor of Business Management (2015–2017). He completed a Master of Science in Procurement and Supplies in 2019.

This educational progression  from certificate to master’s degree, demonstrated his commitment to academic and professional growth while balancing business and politics.

Family and Personal Life

Charles Ong’ondo Were was a polygamous man, reportedly survived by three wives and six children at the time of his death.

• His first wife, the late Immaculate Were, bore him two children.
• His second wife, Margret Were, bore him another two children.
• His third wife, Anne Were, bore him the remaining two children.

Those close to him described him as a family man and a community-oriented leader.

Career Overview: Business and Politics

Business Career

Before entering elective politics, Charles Ong’ondo Were had a substantial career in business. He held executive roles in several private firms:

• CEO of Victoria Cleaning Services Ltd (2003–2022)
• CEO of Metrookam Properties Ltd (2006–2022)
• CEO of Benga Group Holding Ltd (2014–2022)

These roles suggest he was a seasoned entrepreneur with diversified interests in property and service businesses — a background that laid the groundwork for his later entry into politics.

Political Career

In 2017, Charles Ong’ondo Were entered electoral politics and won the seat for MP of Kasipul Constituency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. He secured re-election in the 2022 general elections.

While in Parliament, he served on the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation, dealing with water resources, marine economy, irrigation, and related policies.

During his two-term tenure, he was known to advocate for community development in his constituency: investing in education, healthcare access, infrastructure, market access, and social welfare.

He was also recognized for his grassroots engagement, attending community events, visiting market centres, and championing local development initiatives such as schools, water projects, and church constructions.

Controversies and Criticisms

Charles Ong’ondo Were’s career had its share of controversies:

• Accusations of Intimidation and Violence: Some residents accused him of using high-handed tactics against political opponents, including threats and violence.
• Disappearance of a Woman: A serious allegation surfaced during a campaign period, involving a woman who disappeared after traveling to Meru on a promise of employment linked to the MP.
• COVID‑19 Regulation Violation: In July 2020, Were was reportedly arrested and fined for holding a public gathering in Oyugis that violated social distancing rules.

Because of these controversies, public opinion about him was divided. Some admired his commitment to development, while others viewed him as a polarizing figure with an authoritarian style.

Assassination and Death

On the evening of 30 April 2025, Charles Ong’ondo Were was fatally shot by motorbike-riding gunmen at a traffic stop along Ngong Road in Nairobi. He was taken to the hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. His killing shocked the nation and raised concerns about the security of public officials. Many believed the attack was targeted and premeditated, especially given his previous claims of threats to his life.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Estimating the net worth of politicians is challenging, and Charles Ong’ondo Were did not publicly disclose his total assets.

Some data gives insight into his income as an MP:

• Gross monthly salary: KES 739,600
  • Basic salary: KES 443,760
  • House allowance: KES 150,000
  • Salary market adjustment: KES 145,840
• Committee sitting allowances: up to KES 120,000 monthly
• Mileage allowance: KES 116.63 per km, capped at KES 353,778 monthly
• Car maintenance allowance: KES 356,525 monthly
• Airtime allowance: KES 15,000 monthly

In addition, his business ventures as CEO of multiple companies likely contributed significantly to his wealth. However, without verified asset declarations, any estimate of his net worth remains speculative.

Legacy and Significance

Charles Ong’ondo Were left behind a complex legacy. For many in Kasipul and Homa Bay County, he is remembered as a hands-on leader with a strong connection to constituents.

• Community Development: He invested in infrastructure, education, and health facilities.
• Grassroots Engagement: He actively engaged market vendors, boda-boda riders, artisans, and ordinary residents.
• Political Impact: As a two-term MP, he contributed to policy debates on water, irrigation, and blue economy.

At the same time, his tenure remains controversial due to allegations of intimidation, violence, and misuse of influence. His assassination in 2025 further highlighted issues of political violence and the security of public figures in Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was Charles Ong’ondo Were born?

Public records list his birth year around 1973 or 1974.

Which constituency did he represent?

He was the Member of Parliament for Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County.

What was his educational background?

He completed primary and secondary education at Karabok Primary School and Oyugis Secondary School. Later, he earned a Certificate in County Governance, a Diploma and Bachelor’s in Business Management, and an MSc in Procurement and Supplies.

What businesses did he run before entering politics?
He was CEO of Victoria Cleaning Services Ltd, Metrookam Properties Ltd, and Benga Group Holding Ltd.

What was his salary as an MP?

His gross monthly salary was reported as KES 739,600, with additional allowances for committees, mileage, car maintenance, and airtime.

Was his net worth publicly disclosed?

No. While his income as an MP is documented, his total assets or net worth were not publicly disclosed.

Why was Charles Ong’ondo Were controversial?

He faced accusations of intimidation, violence against political opponents, involvement in a suspicious disappearance of a woman during an election campaign, and violation of COVID‑19 regulations.

Conclusion

Charles Ong’ondo Were’s life was a mixture of ambition, service, controversy, and tragedy. From humble beginnings in Homa Bay County to leading businesses and serving as a two-term MP, his journey is a testament to resilience and ambition.

He left behind a legacy marked by both community development and serious controversies, a legacy further complicated by his violent death in 2025. For many, he remains a reminder of the perils of politics in environments fraught with insecurity and division.