Ong'ondo Were: Gladys Wanga Calls for Peace, Calm Ahead of Slain MP's Burial
- Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga has called for unity and restraint following the tragic shooting of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were
- The slain legislator is set to be laid to rest on Friday, May 9, with the county appealing for a dignified and respectful farewell befitting his legacy
- Wanga appreciated President William Ruto's directive to security agencies to expedite investigations into the MP's killing
Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now!
The County Government of Homa Bay is calling for unity and calm as residents prepare for the burial of the late Kasipul lawmaker Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Source: Facebook
The Member of Parliament was fatally shot on April 30. His death has been described as a tragic and trying moment for the county.
When will Ong'ondo Were be buried?
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 6, the office of the governor confirmed that the late MP's burial will take place on Friday, May 9.
“We have lost a beloved son of our soil, and mourn we must, but I call on all of us to exercise restraint as we continue to mourn,” the statement read.
The governor urged residents across the Homa Bay area, from Konyango Rabuor and Mfangano Island to Sondu River and Rachuonyo, to uphold peace during this period of mourning.
The county leadership acknowledged President William Ruto’s commitment to ensuring justice for fast-tracking investigations and arresting suspects linked to the killing.
“We appreciate the firm directions given by the president to expedite the investigations and bring the culprits to book,” the statement noted.
Wanga, referencing the late MP by his well-known nicknames Jakowaro, Wuon Ojaa, Ogai Ma Milambo, and Sir Chalis, urged the public to honour his legacy with dignity and unity while remaining calm and patient as investigations proceed.
Did Gladys Wanga call out Ruto over Were's murder?
Wanga's recent comments come just days after she voiced her frustration with Ruto's administration in the wake of the murder of legislator Were.
Source: Facebook
Speaking on May 3 at Were's residence in Kachien, Kasipul, Wanga shared that the late lawmaker had consistently raised concerns about his safety but had received no support.
She further revealed that Were had reported threats to his life to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, yet he was still brutally murdered.
Wanga demanded that the government provide answers and ensure that those responsible for Were's death face justice.
In her remarks, Wanga appeared to allude to the partnership between the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stating that while ODM members had agreed to cooperate with the government, they had been let down.
The vocal governor also reaffirmed that Homa Bay remains an ODM stronghold, declaring that UDA will not be welcomed in the area.
Wanga paid tribute to the former Kasipul MP, calling him a beloved leader in his constituency.
She responded to criticism of Were's leadership, pointing out that no politician is universally liked, emphasising that his re-election in the 2022 General Election was a testament to his effective leadership.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
