Leaders from across Kenya’s political spectrum have strongly condemned the brutal killing of Kasipul, MP Charles Ong’ondo Were and are demanding swift action to apprehend the masterminds behind his murder. Speaking during his final requiem mass at Karabok Primary School in Homa Bay County, the leaders insisted that justice will only be served when the planners and financiers of the assassination are brought to book.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led the call for justice, describing Were’s murder as a political assassination and a threat to national stability. “This cowardly act must not go unpunished,” he said, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite investigations.
ODM leader Raila Odinga echoed the sentiment, dismissing those already arrested as mere agents. He warned that individuals smearing Were’s name on social media could be linked to the killing, and decried Kenya’s history of unresolved political assassinations.
Other leaders, including National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, Migori Governor, Dr. Ochillo Ayacko, and Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, emphasized the need for thorough investigations and cautioned against politicizing the tragedy. Ayacko condemned the posthumous defamation of Were as a “double tragedy,” while Sifuna noted that the killers seemed to have exploited inactive CCTV systems.
Vihiga Senator, Godfrey Osotsi and Homa Bay Governor, Gladys Wanga joined calls for justice, highlighting the grief of Were’s family and constituents. Wanga stated, “The family, including his two widows and children, deserve to know who did this and why.”
Parliamentary Service Commission members Johnson Muthama and Joyce Korir, alongside MPs Hillary Kosgei and Peter Kaluma, urged authorities to pursue all suspects, including possible financiers. Kosgei warned those spreading disinformation online may be complicit, while Kaluma emphasized that justice must prevail, regardless of the suspects’ local ties.
As the country mourns, pressure continues to mount on law enforcement to ensure the killers of Charles Were are not only arrested but held accountable to bring closure to a shaken nation.
Written By Rodney Mbua.
