Political leaders paid emotional tributes to the late Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were during his funeral ceremony held in Oyugis, Homa Bay County.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga praised the late MP as an industrious man who held no grudges with anyone.
Raila recalled the moment when the late MP rushed into his car, informing him that individuals with ill intentions had been on his trail for quite some time, a sign that he knew his life was in danger.
The ODM party leader called on the National Police Service (NPS) to bring the perpetrators to book.
“He was a man of few words but very correct in what he did. He liked people and did not have a grudge with anybody,” Raila remarked.
“He knew what was going to happen to him because when we were celebrating (sic) earlier this year, he came and jumped in my car after the celebrations and told me that some individuals following him had bad intentions.”
The former prime minister hailed the security services for arresting individuals in connection with the murder but called on the author behind Were’s death to be unearthed and apprehended.
“These people have been trailing Ong’ondo for a long time. He knew them and I hope the investigations will lead to these people so they can be apprehended. Yes, they have arrested quite a number, but those are hired agents. The author of this crime must be brought to book,” he pointed out.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula echoed Raila’s sentiments, urging the police to expedite the investigations.
“People of Kasipul and Homa Bay, you’ve lost a warrior. We stand here to condemn in the strongest terms possible the criminals who carried out this act and encourage the security services to bring these people to justice,” he stated.
Treasury CS John Mbadi reminisced on the memories he shared with the late MP, noting that he had left an indelible mark on society.
“Everybody involved must be brought to book. We have lost so many lives and one life is one too many. Those who planned, executed and conspired must be brought to book,” the CS pointed out.
On his part, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi urged the public to maintain peace in honour of the late lawmaker.
“Baba, this was your soldier. He was always willing to learn and a patient person. The only lasting tribute we can give to Were is to maintain peace in this region and the entire Kenya,” Wandayi highlighted.
The late Were was shot dead on Wednesday, April 30, in Nairobi evening traffic by a gunman whose accomplice was riding a motorbike.
So far, police officers have arrested nine suspects, including Were’s driver and his bodyguard, believed to have colluded with the killers.
