A wave of tributes has continued to pour in after the shocking murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead on Wednesday night near City Mortuary along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The 51-year-old lawmaker had just left Parliament and was en route to Mbagathi when two assailants on a motorcycle approached his vehicle, shattered the driver’s window, and fired multiple shots at close range.
He was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by bystanders but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Leaders from across the political spectrum have paid glowing tribute to the fallen MP, describing him as a committed public servant whose untimely death is a devastating loss to the nation.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula condemned the killing, calling it “a cowardly act committed under the cover of night.”
“It has robbed the nation of a distinguished legislator, a fearless advocate for his constituents, and a man deeply committed to democratic ideals. The loss of Were is not just a tragedy to his family and the people of Kasipul but also to the country at large,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who noted that Were left Parliament less than 30 minutes before his death, also called for a thorough investigation.
“I convey my condolences and those of the ODM party to Were’s family,” said Junet. “Our party leader (Raila Odinga) was here too and has since left.”
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Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga expressed deep sorrow, describing Mr Were as “a great son, a father, and husband” whose passing was “a big blow to the people of Homa Bay.”
Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo assured the public that investigations had begun, led by senior officials from the National Police Service and DCI. He appealed for calm as detectives work to unearth the truth behind the murder.
Amid the shock and grief, Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara recounted spending the afternoon with Were. “We even had tea and spoke about many things. I left him at 7 p.m., only to hear he had been killed. I am in total shock.”
Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Bensuda eulogised Were as a dedicated legislator and passionate advocate: “His loss is not only a blow to Kasipul but to the entire county and nation.”
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