National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the country’s criminal justice system to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, urging that those responsible be brought to justice without delay.
Speaking to the press at Lee Funeral Home, where he led a delegation of lawmakers to view the late MP’s body, Wetang’ula condemned the killing as a “cowardly act” and demanded that no stone be left unturned in the quest for accountability.
“This is an unfortunate and heinous act. It must be met with the full force of the law,” Wetang’ula said, adding that relevant agencies must act decisively to apprehend those behind the attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening.
The Speaker also emphasized the need for urgent reforms within the security apparatus tasked with protecting Members of Parliament. He proposed retraining and reequipping police officers assigned to lawmakers to ensure they are adequately prepared for their roles.
“Parliament will work closely with the National Police Service to strengthen the capacity of officers assigned to protect MPs,” he stated. He further urged legislators to fully utilize their assigned security personnel for their own safety.
The body of the late MP will be airlifted to Homa Bay County on Thursday ahead of his burial on Friday in Kachien Village, Kasipul Constituency. The burial is expected to draw numerous high-ranking dignitaries and political leaders from across the country.