Gladys Wanga Tears down Ruto's Govt over Ong'ondo Were's Murder: "Didn't Sign up for Assassinations"

• Governor Gladys Wanga has sharply criticised President William Ruto's administration, suggesting tensions may be emerging in the ODM-UDA partnership
• Wanga demanded answers from the Kenya Kwanza government, urging them to ensure those responsible for Were’s murder are held accountable
• Further, the Homa Bay governor defended the late legislator’s leadership, saying he has a strong support base in Kasipul

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga has broken her silence, sharply criticising President William Ruto's administration in the wake of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were’s murder.

Why did Wanga call out Ruto's govt?

Speaking Saturday, May 3, at Were's home in Kachien, Kasipul, Wanga said the late legislator had repeatedly raised concerns about his safety but never received help.

She added that Were had even reported threats to his life to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, yet he was still killed in cold blood.

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"Were reported that his life was in danger. I know he even reported to the police IG. What did the police IG do about it? We have counted way too many deaths, but they have dialled the wrong number. Were was killed like a chicken," Wanga said.

Wanga also called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to provide answers and ensure those behind Were’s murder are held accountable.

While appearing to reference the partnership between the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Wanga said the members had agreed to work with the government but had been let down.

“We want to know the truth—who killed Were, why, and for what reason? We said we are working together, but we did not sign up for the assassination of our members. Tell us,” Wanga added.

The outspoken governor also clarified that Homa Bay is an ODM stronghold and that UDA will not be allowed in the region.

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"This region is an ODM zone. We will not allow UDA here. We may be quiet, but not cowed .We will protect ODM. We will protect our leader. Don't dare us. Don't dare us," Wanga asserted.

Did Gladys Wanga praise Ong'ondo Were's leadership?

Wanga praised the former Kasipul lawmaker, describing him as a leader cherished by many in his constituency.

Responding to criticism of Were’s leadership, she noted that no politician can be universally liked.

She added that Were’s ability to secure re-election for a second term in the 2022 General Election demonstrated his good leadership.

"I want to say Were was loved by his constituents. As a politician, you can't be loved by all. Were was elected in 2017. Come 2022, Were was voted overwhelmingly. That is the man you want to say ruled by terror?" Wanga questioned.

Did Were's family blame police for his death?

Wanga spoke just days after the family of the late Kasipul MP blamed the police for his killing.

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The lawmaker’s brother, Paul Were, claimed the MP had sought help from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) but no action was taken.

He also alleged that those behind the killing are known and that the MP had consistently reported concerns to the police.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke