How Meru Shaped MP Charles Were’s Wealth and Controversial Legacy

Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were was fatally shot Wednesday night in Nairobi, bringing a sudden and tragic end to a life marked by entrepreneurial success, political influence, and persistent controversy. 

The assassination has sent shockwaves through the political and business communities, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death and reigniting scrutiny of his complex legacy. Were's journey from a humble employee to a prominent MP and businessman is a story of remarkable ambition and transformation. Starting in Meru town in 1998, he quickly ascended the ranks at Mosal Dry Cleaners, eventually becoming a manager. In 2000, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Victoria Cleaning Services, which soon became a leading player in Meru’s office cleaning sector.

"I met him while working at Standard Bank. He was supervising his staff, having secured contracts with most banks in Meru town. That’s how he made his money,” recalled Jackson Kithinji, a former Standard Bank employee and friend of the late MP. "He was a very calm man.”

Were's business acumen soon extended beyond cleaning services into real estate, where he invested heavily in rental properties across Meru town. His name became synonymous with economic progress, providing employment and livelihood opportunities for many residents.

"It’s tragic that he was killed so brutally. I worked with him when he started his business, and we travelled across the country opening new branches. He even married a Meru woman before leaving Mosal Dry Cleaners," said Nelson Ogweno, chairman of the Meru Western Alliance.

His business success paved the way for his entry into politics. Were aligned himself with ODM leader Raila Odinga, becoming a key figure in the party's operations within Meru County. According to ODM's Meru County chairman, Jack Munoru, Were played a crucial role in financing party activities and coordinating campaigns for Odinga, earning him the party's trust and backing.

Were's political aspirations materialised in 2013 when he vied for an ODM ticket. Despite winning the nomination, he was denied the certificate and was forced to run as an independent candidate, ultimately finishing second. Undeterred, he returned in 2017, secured full backing from ODM after paying a substantial sum to the party leadership, and was elected MP on an ODM ticket. John Barasa, chairman of the Meru County Boda Boda Riders Sacco, describes Were as a generous and approachable man who contributed greatly to Meru’s economy and created numerous job opportunities.

"It’s heartbreaking that Mr. Were is gone. He contributed greatly to Meru’s economy and created numerous job opportunities. He was also a kind landlord who never harassed his tenants," Barasa said.

However, Were’s life was not without its controversies. He was remembered by some as a no-nonsense individual who wielded influence in ways that instilled fear. Before joining politics, he was accused of threatening a police boss and journalists after being implicated in a kidnapping claim. A retired journalist in Meru recalled covering the case of a woman who alleged she had been held against her will in Were’s house.

"When the story was published, I had to go into hiding because he threatened me. The woman said she had been locked in his house alongside another lady but managed to escape," the journalist said.

His departure from Mosal Dry Cleaners was also linked to controversy after the business premises were gutted by fire shortly after he left, though investigations later ruled the incident accidental. Were's name also surfaced in connection with the disappearance of Daughty Apondi, who vanished in November 2010 under mysterious circumstances. Her family revealed that Were had promised her a job at a hotel in Meru before she went missing.

Her brother, Bob Adongo, said, “We suspect foul play. We have reported the case to the police.” Apondi’s sister, Nancy Adhiambo, added, “He knew where my sister went. He knew how she disappeared. I have never stopped searching for answers, despite the threats I received.”

Despite these controversies, some of Were's allies insist that he was often targeted in political smear campaigns. As investigations into his assassination continue, the mystery surrounding his life lingers. Were has left behind a complex legacy of ambition, success, generosity, and unresolved controversies.