Charles Ong'ondo Were: Emotional Moment as Lawmakers Gather to View Body of Slain MP
- A sombre scene unfolded at Lee Funeral Home as MPs, led by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, paid their respects to their late colleague, who was tragically shot and killed on April 30
- Wetang'ula urged the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible for Charles Ong'ondo Were's death to justice
- Among the lawmakers who viewed Were's body were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o), Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, and Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Nairobi: A deeply emotional scene unfolded at Lee Funeral Home, as Members of Parliament gathered to bid farewell to the late Kasipul MP, Charles Ong'ondo Were.
Source: Facebook
The lawmakers, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, took turns viewing his body.
What did Wetang'ula say at Lee Funeral Home?
Wetang'ula expressed the deep sorrow felt by Parliament following the tragic gunning down of the MP on Wednesday, April 30, near the City Mortuary roundabout while coming from Parliament.
"We've come to Lee Funeral Home in a very sombre mood. A dark cloud hangs over Parliament as we mourn the loss of one of our own, a member serving his second term, Honourable Charles Were. He was a friend to many of us. I've known Charles since 2013 when we were campaigning together during the CORD movement," Wetang'ula said.
Wetangula called upon the security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the police, to thoroughly investigate and ensure that those responsible for Were's death are held accountable.
"We aim to keep an open mind to ensure the investigations are conducted freely and fairly. As Parliament, we are ready to assist in any way possible, providing any information that may aid the investigators in bringing those responsible for this crime to justice. Those who commit crimes must face the consequences," he added.
Wetang'ula added that MPs are actively participating in the preparations for their colleague's burial.
"We are going to do the interment on Friday this week at his home in Kasipul constituency and tomorrow we have a requiem mass in one of the Catholic churches in Nairobi. We invite all people of goodwill to join us."
Among the lawmakers who viewed Were's body were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o), Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, among others.
Did MPs demand more security after Og'ondo Were's murder?
In a related story, the lawmakers expressed concerns about their safety amid increasing fears of targeted attacks.
Source: Facebook
During a visit on Saturday, May 3, to the Karen home of the late Kasipul MP, the legislators called on the government to improve their security measures.
Kaluma, who is leading the parliamentary funeral committee, stated that the murder of MP Were had deeply unsettled many of his colleagues.
The lawmakers argued that if an MP can be killed in broad daylight while under protection, the security risks are even greater for ordinary citizens, who lack weapons or security escorts.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
