Leaders mourn Were as Ruto asks police to bring killers to book
His death, however, also attracted inconsiderate reactions from a section of Kenyans, once again indicating how discontent with the political class and the authorities since the killing of Gen Z protestors
Leaders have paid tribute to the Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was yesterday fatally injured by an unknown gunman in Nairobi near the City mortuary roundabout.
President William Ruto, in his condolence message, urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, saying those responsible must be held to account.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga said Kenyans have lost a gallant son of the soil.
“Hon Charles Ong’ondo Were is no more; mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin in Nairobi this evening. Rest in Peace Hon Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were! Dhi gi kwe Ogai ma Milamb,” he wrote on X.
National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, mourned Were as a distinguished legislator and a fearless advocate for his constituents.
In his message of Condolence, Wetang’ula said the late MP was deeply committed to the democratic ideals and service to the people he represented.
“He was a man deeply committed to the democratic ideals and service to the people he represented. The loss of Were is not just a tragedy to his family and the people of Kasipul but also a big loss to the people of Kenya,” Wetang’ula mourned.
“May God grant the family and the people of Kasipul the strength to bear the loss of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were,” President William Ruto stated in his condolence message.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management in the President’s office Eliud Owalo, who was a friend to the deceased lawmaker, has shared his sorrow for as he narrated how they knew each other when the late was a businessman in Meru before becoming a politician.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of my friend,
Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were. I knew the late long before his political journey began,
during his days as a businessman in Meru County, and cherished our enduring friendship,” he stated.
“I extend heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, relatives, friends, and colleagues. I also express sincere sympathies to the people of Kasipul, who have lost a devoted, diligent, and principled leader who tirelessly championed their interests,” he added.
The leaders have urged for an investigation to be conducted and ensure justice is served.
“We urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. Those responsible must be held to account,” the President stated.
Speaker Wetang’ula asked the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to immediately investigate the murder of the MP and submit the findings to Parliament without delay.
The Kasipul legislator was shot at close range by two gunmen riding a motorcycle on Ngong Road in Nairobi yesterday evening.
His death, however, also attracted inconsiderate reactions from a section of Kenyans, once again indicating how discontent with the political class and the authorities since the killing of Gen Z protestors last year has risen especially following the political deals that ensued and perceptions that Parliament is in bed with the Executive.
“The killing of Kasipul MP Charles Were is a painful reminder of how far we have fallen as a nation. But perhaps even more tragic is the silence, indifference and apathy from ordinary Kenyans – not out of hatred for the fallen MP, but from deep, growing fatigue. Kenyans are tired,” former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera noted.
