The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called for swift and thorough investigations into the shocking murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was gunned down on Wednesday night along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
According to ODM, Were had spent the better part of the day in Parliament, participating in legislative duties before leaving at 6:15 p.m. The party confirmed his tragic death in a statement issued hours after the incident, expressing disbelief over the loss of the vibrant legislator.
“We have received with shock and disbelief the tragic death of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were – MP Kasipul – at the hands of a gunman,” read the statement. ODM conveyed its condolences to Were’s family, constituents in Homa Bay County, colleagues in Parliament, and friends, describing him as a committed servant of the people.
“While we join his constituents, the people of the great County of Homa Bay, his family, colleagues and friends in mourning, we call on the police to investigate the shooting incident and bring the culprits to book,” the party said.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a close ally and colleague, revealed that he had been with Were in Parliament shortly before the fatal shooting. “We were with him today in Parliament the whole afternoon. He left barely 30 minutes before he met his death,” Junet noted.
He urged authorities to act swiftly, saying, “We would like to ask the police to investigate this matter thoroughly and share with Kenyans as fast as possible what happened to Hon. Were.”
The National Police Service has since confirmed the MP’s death, indicating that preliminary investigations point to a targeted and predetermined attack. Were was shot dead near the City Mortuary area, sparking fears and questions over the motive behind the killing of a sitting lawmaker.
ODM has announced that it will issue a comprehensive statement regarding the incident in the coming days.
As the nation mourns, pressure mounts on law enforcement to deliver justice and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended without delay.
