By Judy Maina
NAIROBI, Kenya — In a fervent address at the funeral of slain Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, opposition leader Raila Odinga condemned the killing as a political assassination and urged authorities to apprehend the true masterminds behind the crime.
“The police have only arrested agents; the author of this crime must be brought to book,” Mr. Odinga declared to mourners gathered at Karabok Primary School in Homa Bay County.
He recounted a January incident where Mr. Were, fearing for his safety, sought refuge in Mr. Odinga’s vehicle during a public event.
Mr. Were was fatally shot on April 30 while his car was stopped at a traffic light near the City Mortuary in Nairobi.
A gunman on a motorcycle approached and opened fire, killing the MP instantly. His driver and bodyguard were unharmed and transported him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigations have led to the arrest of several suspects, including Mr. Were’s driver and bodyguard, as well as individuals linked to criminal gangs. A recovered pistol has been forensically linked to the murder.
Despite these developments, Mr. Odinga emphasized that the individuals in custody are merely operatives, not the orchestrators of the assassination.
“While we appreciate the work done by the police so far, the individuals arrested are just agents. We want the real architects of this heinous act arrested—they are known,” he asserted.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula echoed these sentiments, calling for expedited investigations to ensure justice is served.
“This cowardly act must not go unpunished,” he stated.
The assassination has intensified concerns over political violence in Kenya.
Mr. Odinga warned against the dangers of impunity, referencing historical political killings that remain unresolved. “We cannot continue to live in this kind of society,” he lamented.
Mr. Were, 51, had served as the MP for Kasipul since 2017 and was known for his dedication to his constituents.
His death has left a void in the community and raised pressing questions about political safety and accountability in Kenya.
