A sombre atmosphere enveloped Karabok Primary School grounds in Homa Bay County on Friday, May 9, 2025, as thousands of mourners gathered for the burial service of slain Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were.
Were was tragically shot dead on Wednesday, April 30, by a lone gunman near City Mortuary along Ngong Road, Nairobi. The assailant, reported to be on a motorcycle, fled the scene immediately after the incident. Police investigations have since led to the arrest and arraignment of ten suspects linked to the killing.
Among the mourners were high-profile political leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who joined grieving residents to pay their last respects. The funeral has drawn widespread national attention, with politicians from across the divide attending in a show of unity and solidarity.
The body of the late MP was received in his hometown of Oyugis on Thursday, May 8, with a massive funeral procession led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. The convoy passed through several towns Homa Bay, Kendu Bay, Kadongo, Sikri, and Oyugis—bringing business to a halt as residents poured into the streets to mourn their leader.
During a stopover, Governor Wanga expressed the collective grief of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying, “As the ODM party, we are united in grief and ask for God’s comfort during this difficult time.”
The body later arrived at Agoro Sare Primary School, where locals queued in large numbers to view it and pay their final respects. A night vigil was held at the MP’s rural home in Kachien ahead of Friday’s burial.
Tight security has been maintained throughout the funeral proceedings, with officers working to manage the overwhelming crowds. The final rites at Karabok Primary School were organised to accommodate the massive turnout, reflecting the deep respect and love the community held for their fallen leader.
Ong’ondo Were is remembered as a dedicated servant of the people and a passionate advocate for development in Kasipul Constituency. He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kachien later today.
