National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has ordered a fresh vetting of all Members of Parliament’s bodyguards and security details following the tragic murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were. This directive comes just days after the MP was shot dead in the presence of his security detail. Wetangula, speaking during the requiem mass for the late MP at Consolata Shrine in Westlands, raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death and emphasized the need to closely examine the security arrangements for all MPs to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In his address, Wetangula called on MPs to submit their security records for vetting. He questioned how an MP, with a security team, could fall victim to such an attack, urging a closer investigation into the roles and actions of those entrusted with the safety of parliamentarians. He further asked the National Assembly Clerk to provide CCTV footage from Parliament that captured the movements of MP Were before his death, believing it could provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the assassination.
The Speaker also encouraged the police to broaden their investigation beyond the City Mortuary, urging them to examine the area around Parliament, starting from the time Hon. Were arrived until his departure. Wetangula’s comments reflect the heightened concern about security at Parliament and the surrounding areas, which could offer critical clues to understanding the nature of the crime.
Additionally, Wetangula called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to implement round-the-clock surveillance through the city’s CCTV network. This measure is intended to ensure that any suspicious activities in the capital are recorded, which would aid law enforcement in tracking down criminal elements and maintaining overall security in the city.
The shocking murder of MP Charles Were has sparked a wave of calls for swift justice. Legislators, along with the family of the deceased, have urged investigators to expedite their inquiries. The late MP’s death has raised several questions about the effectiveness of the security protocols in place for MPs, especially in light of the apparent failure of his security detail to prevent such a violent attack.
There has been widespread condemnation of the lack of compassion shown by certain individuals, who have expressed no sympathy for the family of the slain MP. This has sparked further calls for respect and tolerance, with leaders such as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga reminding the public that politicians, like any other human beings, deserve empathy during moments of grief. She stressed that the family of Hon. Were deserves dignity and respect during this difficult time.
The murder has also ignited speculation about the motive behind the attack. Various theories continue to circulate, but the investigation is still ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the truth. So far, nine suspects have been arrested, including the late MP’s driver and bodyguard. These arrests suggest that the crime may have involved an inside element, further complicating the mystery surrounding the murder.
As the investigation unfolds, the public remains on edge, hoping that justice will prevail and that the circumstances surrounding the death of MP Charles Were will soon be revealed. The case has raised serious concerns about the safety of politicians and the effectiveness of the security measures in place to protect them. It remains to be seen how the investigation will develop and what steps will be taken to enhance the safety of MPs in the future.
