Kenya’s sense of safety was deeply tested in 2025 after a series of violent deaths spread fear and anger across the country. The killings, which involved senior leaders, religious figures, professionals, and civilians, raised serious concerns about targeted attacks, protest policing, and what happens behind police doors.
Some victims were killed in busy roads during the day, while others died under unclear circumstances while in custody. Each case drew strong public reaction, with protests, official statements, and growing demands for justice. Together, the incidents became defining moments of the year.
Here are six murder cases that shocked the nation in 2025.
Charles Ong’ondo Were, a former Kasipul Member of Parliament, was killed on April 30, 2025, along Ngong Road in Nairobi. He was seated in his vehicle during heavy traffic when assailants riding a motorcycle stopped beside him and fired five bullets.
Were was rushed to Nairobi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Police said the attack was deliberate and targeted, a revelation that caused alarm nationwide. He was buried on May 9, 2025, at his rural home in Kachien Village, Kasipul Constituency.
Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul who was killed in an attack in Nairobi on April, 30, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUTLawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbombu was shot dead on Tuesday evening, September 9, 2025, along Magadi Road. He had been caught in traffic when gunmen smashed his car’s windshield and opened fire.
According to Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, Mbombu was hit eight times at close range. The post-mortem showed he died from severe injuries and excessive bleeding caused by the gunshots. Mbombu was widely known for his work as an advocate, lecturer, tribunal chair, author, and public servant, with a career spanning nearly 30 years.
Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of Tot Catholic Parish in Elgeyo Marakwet was killed on May 2, 2025. He was ambushed near Kabartile Village as he returned from leading prayers with the local community.
Security agencies formed a multi-agency team that later arrested six suspects linked to the killing. President William Ruto described Bett as a peace builder and praised his message to the faithful.
“May God grant the family and friends strength to bear this painful loss. We will hunt down his killers as we commit to restoring peace in the Kerio Valley. Rest in peace, Father,” President Ruto said.
Father John Maina Ndegwa was found badly injured by the roadside along the Nakuru–Gilgil highway on May 16, 2025. He was taken to St Joseph Hospital in Gilgil, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Father Ndegwa served as the priest in charge of Igwamiti Catholic Parish in Nyandarua County. Investigators said his death was connected to a donation he was alleged to have received from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He was buried on May 22, 2025, at Tabor Hill Spirituality Centre in Ol Joro Orok.
Boniface Mwangi Kariuki was shot during anti-government demonstrations on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Kariuki was selling face masks when a police officer reportedly ran towards him and fired at close range.
He was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, where doctors later declared him brain dead. Kariuki died on June 30 while undergoing treatment and was buried on July 11 at his home in Murang’a County. The officer involved, Constable Masinde Klinzy Barasa, was arrested and charged with murder.
Albert Ojwang who died in police custody after being arrested over a social media post. PHOTO/HandoutAlbert Ojwang died while being held at Central Police Station in Nairobi on June 8, 2025. The 31-year-old had been arrested the previous day at his home in Kakoth, Homa Bay County, and taken to Nairobi after a complaint was filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Later that night, officers said Ojwang was “making noise” before he was found unconscious four minutes later. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police initially claimed Ojwang died by suicide after hitting his head on a cell wall. However, a post-mortem conducted on June 10 contradicted that account. The examination found blunt-force injuries to the head, compression of the neck, and soft tissue injuries across his body.
His death led to nationwide protests and strong public demands for accountability. Six suspects, including Central OCS Samson Talam, were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the case.
