Emotions ran high as leaders demanded justice for Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, who was shot dead in Nairobi last week, during a requiem mass on Wednesday.
The leaders urged the police to expedite the investigations and apprehend the killers of the legislator.
Speaking at the MPs Requiem Mass at Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula called on lawmakers to update their personal security details, saying Parliament is ready to assist in strengthening MPs' protection.
The widows of the late Kaspul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, Anne (Right) and Margaret Were, at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, during his Requiem Mass.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
Mr Wetang’ula said he has directed Parliament to hand over CCTV footage to aid investigations into the death of Mr Were, saying the footage will cover the MP’s movements from 6 am at the parliamentary gym to just after 7pm when he left Parliament.
“I want to encourage each one of you to submit your security details for vetting so that we can assist. I have instructed the Clerk of Parliament to put together all our CCTV footage in Parliament. That material will help in a substantial way in assisting the police,” he said.
Mr Wetang’ula also appealed to the Nairobi County Government to ensure all CCTV cameras in the city function around the clock.
He said working surveillance systems are essential in identifying individuals responsible for attacks in the city.
“We want to ensure that all CCTV installations in the city work optimally for 24 hours. This is the only way we can capture wicked characters who go around the city molesting others and causing pain and suffering to innocent families,” the National Assembly Speaker said.
Mr Wetang’ula said Mr Were, a Catholic, regularly attended Wednesday morning services and had shown interest in a planned pilgrimage to Rome in August.
“He asked if we would go with him to Rome this August. Little did I know that people were waiting in the dark to ambush him and bring his life to an end. We feel pain. As Parliament, we have lost a member of our family,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
Kenyan lawmaker Charles Were speaks in Nairobi, Kenya in this handout image released March 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Parliament of Kenya/Handout via Reuters
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi called for transparency and accountability as he decried what he described as a “dangerous turn in our politics,” warning that the failure to get to the root of the murder could embolden perpetrators and plunge the country into lawlessness.
“We must be told the truth. Who initiated the plans to kill our colleague? Who sent these young men to take his life? This country must know who had the audacity, the motive, and the means to orchestrate this heinous act,” said Mr Kingi.
The Speaker emphasised that this was not just an isolated crime, but a threat to every public servant, citizen, and the very soul of democracy.
“It is not just about who committed the act, but who gave the order. If someone out there can mobilise a group of killers to silence an elected leader, what stops them from targeting me tomorrow, or any other Kenyan who dares to speak truth to power?” he said.
Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Governor, remembered Mr Were for his consistent presence in his constituency and his dedication to community service.
“Unless he was outside the country, he was always in the constituency—attending funerals, meeting clans, mobilising people. He lived for his people. He didn’t deserve to go the way he did,” one MP lamented. But now that he is gone, we must ensure justice is served. We urge all MPs and the public to join us in Homa Bay for a peaceful and dignified farewell,” she said.
The family of Mr Were called for justice, describing him as a humble, honest, and orderly man who united people across political and regional lines.
In a moving tribute during a memorial service, the family said Mr Were was not just a legislator but a devoted husband, father, and community leader whose legacy was built on compassion, service, and unity.
“We love you, Dad. Your absence has left a deep void in our lives, but your strength, courage, and unwavering spirit continue to live within us. We are fearless—not because we don’t feel pain, but because we refuse to let fear silence us. We will not rest until the full truth is known, not just about those who pulled the trigger, but also those who planned and enabled your killing. Justice is not just our hope; it is our mission. You taught us to stand up for what is right, and now, we carry that torch in your honour,” Proctus Were, his son, said.
“To everyone who has stood with us—thank you. Your love and support have been our pillars of strength in this painful journey. We will not be intimidated. We will speak your truth, fight for your memory, and ensure your legacy endures. We love you, Dad, and we always will. May your soul rest in peace, knowing that your children remain strong, united, and fearless, just as you raised us to be.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emphasized that Nairobi, being the capital city, must set the standard in safeguarding its citizens and upholding accountability.
“On behalf of the party, we make this heartfelt plea. In his final days, he dedicated himself to serving the people from Parliament, a place that symbolized his commitment to public service and the nation. That is why we are calling upon the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly,” Mr Sifuna, who is also the ODM party secretary general, said.
Lawmakers expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their swift apprehension of four suspects linked to Mr Were’s killing, but called for a deeper investigation, citing the suspicious timing of his death, just as Parliament went into recess.
“The big elephant in the room is how his murder was timed. We must leave no stone unturned. This was not just a politician; he was a husband, a father, and a servant of the people,” said National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro.
