Ong'ondo Were: Kenyans Unimpressed by Priest Leading Kasipul MP's Mass
- The requiem mass for the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was held at Consolata Shrine, Nairobi, on Wednesday, May 7
- The service was attended by political leaders, including Moses Wetangula, Opiyo Wandayi, Millie Odhiambo, and Edwin Sifuna
- The priest leading the mass, Deogracious Kibirango, drew attention for his no-nonsense approach, commanding mourners and media to observe order
- While some found him rude, others defended his conduct as disciplined and typical of his character
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The requiem mass for the late Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were is being held today, Wednesday, May 7, at the Consolata Shrine in Nairobi.
Source: Youtube
The emotional event has drawn a large crowd, including the deceased MP’s family, friends, supporters, and a host of prominent political leaders.
Among those in attendance are National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, among others.
Source: Twitter
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Priest gives orders at Ong'ondo Were's requiem mass
However, while the mass was intended as a solemn send-off for the slain legislator, it has stirred public debate due to the demeanour and commanding tone of the presiding Catholic priest.
Many Kenyans watching the proceedings online and those present at the service were taken aback by what they described as a “harsh” approach from the clergy.
At one point during the service, the priest was heard sternly instructing cameramen and mourners to observe order.
“Cameramen, you are very good. Give room now,” he said firmly as the casket was being positioned at the altar.
As the ceremony was about to begin, he refused to proceed with the service until all individuals standing around the casket and in the church corridors had taken their seats.
“I’m not going to celebrate the Mass until the people standing in the corridors go to their seats. Nobody will steal the body, just leave it there. God will protect. Cameramen have one place of permanence. You are bringing problems. The media, please respect. Stop moving. Whoever is in the corridor, please. Let’s avoid movement. This is not a supermarket. Our brother is gone. Why are we stubborn?” the priest declared, eliciting mixed reactions both in church and online.
While some viewed the priest's tone as unnecessarily abrasive during a time of mourning, others defended him, citing the importance of maintaining decorum during a sacred service.
Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans:
Phelix Omondi
"This father ananikashirisha for sure. I wish ningekua hapo."
Abala Kinyua:
"This priest is very rude."
nicholas ouma:
"Kama ulilazimishwa na hiyo mass si utoke tu uende, Sisi tutamzika vizuri."
John Mwangi:
"I have realised huyu father ni mwanajeshi."
Marina Thomas
"The father is not rude, that is how he usually is."
shakila amboye:
"Father yuko sawa...people should just respect all."
Joe Anunda:
"Respect the Catholic church you visited. When Father is preaching he represents Christ. kaeni chini."
Adhiambo Violet:
"This catholic priest is too much. A requiem mass is for everybody including pagans. He should preach the gospel and leave the altar."
Karani Bii:
"Tell them the truth, Father. Let them respect the church."
Winny Winny:
"Thank you priest, let them respect the church, well said 👏."
Why did Catholic priest abandon funeral?
Another time a Catholic priest irked netizens was during a funeral in Bumula ward, Busia county.
The priest, who was designated to lead the burial of a woman whose relatives attended his church, left mourners angered.
He hurried the burial programme, cutting short some mourners who wanted to eulogise the deceased.
Just before the body was lowered into the grave, the family requested to veil the casket of their beloved one, but the man of the cloth denied their request.
He claimed it would take time, leaving mourners irked, with some family members shouting at him.
The priest then disrobed and took the KSh 6,000 offering and left before burying the deceased.
Father kicks out mourner in hat
In another article, Father Deogracious stopped Were's service to address a breach of decorum.
The clergyman boldly interrupted MP Peter Kaluma’s speech, sternly instructing a male mourner seated among the congregation to remove his hat.
The command left the room in stunned silence, with Kaluma briefly pausing his address, his expression betraying a mix of confusion and concern, unsure if the rebuke was aimed at him.
A video of the incident quickly circulated online, with many Kenyans commenting on the priest’s no-nonsense attitude and unwavering commitment to protocol.
Caren Nyota, Head of Entertainment Desk, contributed to this article, adding reactions and details of the time a Catholic priest abandoned a funeral.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
