Leaders across Kenya’s political divide have called on security agencies to move swiftly and arrest the masterminds behind the killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, insisting that those arrested so far are merely foot soldiers, while the true planners and financiers remain at large.
Speaking during the final requiem mass at Karabok Primary School in Homa Bay County, as hundreds gathered for his emotional farewell, the leaders said the late legislator’s family and constituents will only get justice once the real culprits are brought to book.
Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the leaders condemned Were’s murder, describing it as a political assassination that should mark the end of politically motivated violence in Kenya.
“We condemn the murder of Charles Were in the strongest terms possible. We urge the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite the case and to do everything within their power to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.
“This cowardly act must not go unpunished,” Wetang’ula declared. “Parliament has pieced together Were’s last moments, and we hope this aids investigators in delivering justice. Political violence, whether against leaders or ordinary citizens, must end.”
“It’s time to preach peace as we await the outcome of the investigations,” the Speaker held.
Opposition Chief and ODM leader Raila Odinga also demanded swift action, noting that those already arraigned in court were mere agents while the real perpetrators still free.
“While we appreciate the work done by the police so far, as the ODM Party, we want to state that the individuals arrested are just agents. We want the real architects of this heinous act arrested they are known,” said Odinga.
He also warned that individuals tarnishing Were’s name on social media could be linked to his killing.
He lamented Kenya’s long history of unresolved political assassinations, stressing that justice delayed for decades must not be denied again.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary CPA John Mbadi echoed the calls, urging the arrest of all individuals suspected of planning, financing, or executing the murder.
Migori Governor Dr. Ochillo Ayacko decried the continued smear campaign against the late MP on social media, describing it as a double tragedy for his grieving family.
“It is despicable that after murdering him, they also sought to assassinate his character and humiliate his family,” Governor Ayacko said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged the police to “leave no stone unturned,” noting that some key suspects remain at large.
“We want to tell the police that while you have arrested Were’s bodyguard, driver, and recovered the alleged murder weapon, it’s time to go after the real culprits,” he said, adding that the suspects seemed to know CCTV cameras were not working when they struck.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who is also the ODM deputy party leader, called for a broad-based investigation to unearth all those behind the killing.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga emphasized the family’s and county residents’ desire to know who orchestrated the murder and why.
“The family, including his two widows and children, deserve justice,” Wanga said.
Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Senator Johnson Muthama and PSC vice-chair Senator Joyce Korir both called for swift and thorough investigations.
Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei alleged that Were’s killing was timed to coincide with the National Assembly’s short recess and warned that those spreading falsehoods on social media may have been part of the broader scheme.
“We thank the police for apprehending the suspects, but we now want their sponsors arrested. May they never know peace until justice is served,” said Kosgei.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who chaired the funeral committee, emphasized the need to pursue suspects believed to be still at large.
“Our people believe the planners, financiers, and executors of this murder are known. Even if they are from Homa Bay, they must be brought to justice,” Kaluma said.
