ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday termed the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were a political assassination, insisting that the killers of the legislators are known and must be brought to book.
Mr Odinga and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called on the government to ensure perpetrators and masterminds of the crime are made to pay.
According to Mr Odinga, the MP had been trailed for a long time before he met his death last week on April 30, even as calls for justice for the family of the MP dominated the funeral.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were in Kasipul, Homa Bay County, on May 9, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Mr Odinga recalled how sometimes back in January, the MP sought refuge in his car claiming that some people were after him.
“I remember during the Piny Luo festival in January (held in Siaya County), he jumped in and squeezed into my car saying some people with bad intentions were following him. He said he would elaborate more on the matter later,” said Mr Odinga, who was speaking on Friday at the funeral service of Mr Were held at Karabok Primary School in Kasipul, Homa Bay County.
Mr Odinga said the country should not be in a state where people can be shot and murdered without the killers being known.
“The police have only arrested agents, the author of this crime must be brought to book. This is a political assassination. Tom Mboya was shot by (Nahashon) Njenga who talked of a ‘big man’ who was never arrested, this must come to an end. I know the killers of Ong'ondo Were, what should I do to them?” Mr Odinga posed to the hundreds of mourners who shouted back demanding justice.
He said if the MP was committing any crime, as had been alleged by some locals and families of victims, the police should have arrested and charged him.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga (center) with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the burial ceremony of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were in Kasipul, Homa Bay County, on May 9, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Leaders who attended his funeral service said the government should ensure his killers face justice.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives have arrested a number of suspects in connection to the murder, including the MP’s driver and bodyguard.
Mr Wetang’ula condemned the killing and called on investigative agencies to move with speed and ensure the family of the slain MP gets justice.
“Parliament is helping in establishing the movement and association of the MP. In circumstances like this, we must preach peace, love and appreciate our leaders," Mr Wetang’ula said.
ODM used the opportunity to call its members to order following divisions among groups of leaders who differed on supporting the government.
Mr Odinga came to the defence of members criticising the broad-based government even as experts donated to President William Ruto's administration called for 100 per cent support from the party.
“There is always differences of opinion in a party but we must have a firm stand on an issue. That is why people can talk this way but there is an ultimate position that must be articulated by the party through our official spokesperson who is the secretary General, Mr Sifuna. When Mr Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party. But Sifuna saa zingine usiwe chungu sana (don't be so harsh),” said Mr Odinga.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is among politicians who have come out strongly to criticise leaders who have shifted their thoughts towards the government.
“We had a crisis last year and Kenyans must internalise this and become part of our culture, that we can compete severely but later shake hands because life has to continue. That is how democracies are built, our elections have not been perfect but Kenya is much more important than individuals, if you break Kenya there will be no country tomorrow,” said Mr Odinga.
He maintained that ODM were partners with Kenya Kwanza but called for unity of the ODM party urging members and supporters to work towards unifying it as a strong political party.
“We have a firm stand and have an arrangement with Kenya Kwanza which we put in black and white, the 10-point agenda which we want to be fully implemented,” said the ODM leader.
The funeral provided an opportunity for leaders to express their thoughts on broad-based government with Mr Odinga telling his supporters that the formation of broad based government was meant to prevent a crisis in the country.
Some ODM members have been divided on whether they should support the broad-based government. Some of them who support the new political formation have gone to an extent of being termed as the "praise as worship" team of the government.
