Ong’ondo Were Murder Causes Shock and Shadows: Political Tensions Flare as Kasipul MP’s Murder Sparks Storm”
The political temperature in Kenya has surged following the brutal killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) issuing a scathing response to accusations from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that the State had a hand in the assassination.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, UDA leadership in Homa Bay County denounced what it described as “irresponsible remarks and increasingly intolerant voices” emanating from certain ODM leaders. The statement accused the opposition party of making inflammatory allegations, which UDA warned could jeopardize ongoing investigations and stir unnecessary public tension.
“It is on record that the UDA leadership—both at the national and county levels—has unequivocally called for speedy and thorough investigations into the heinous killing of MP Ong’ondo Were,” read the statement, signed by Silas Jakakimba, Secretary of the UDA Party in Homa Bay.
Jakakimba further appealed to local leaders across the political divide to promote peace, uphold individual responsibility, and allow investigative agencies to perform their mandate without undue political interference. “This is a time for unity, calm, and respect for due process. Political leaders must prime the spirit of responsibility and tone down rhetoric that could divide the country,” he stated.
The UDA’s reaction appears to be a direct response to sharp criticism from senior ODM figures, led by National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. In recent days, Wanga and other party stalwarts have alleged that the State may have orchestrated the killing of the vocal ODM legislator—an accusation that has intensified political tensions and raised fears of escalating unrest.
ODM leaders further criticized security agencies, claiming they ignored repeated pleas from MP Were, who allegedly reported multiple death threats before his assassination. “He went to the police, he gave statements, and yet nothing was done. We cannot ignore the possibility of State complicity,” said Wanga while addressing mourners at the late MP’s home in KasipulConstituency.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, MPs Millie Odhiambo and Opondo Kaluma, and several others have echoed these sentiments, warning that ODM may reconsider its cooperation with the ruling Kenya Kwanza government if justice is not served swiftly and transparently.
“This was not a random act of violence,” said MP Kaluma. “It was a well-coordinated killing, and unless we see swift arrests and full accountability, the future of the working agreement between ODM and the State is in serious jeopardy.”
Echoing the calls for justice, Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara and Teso North MP Okuu Kaunya, who sits on the funeral committee, urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to retrieve and analyze CCTV footage from the scene and surrounding areas where the murder took place.
MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was gunned down on April 30, 2025, along Nairobi’s Valley Road near the City Mortuary. According to preliminary autopsy results, five bullets were fired at him, signaling what many believe was a calculated assassination. The killing has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, uniting grief-stricken supporters while polarizing party leaders.https://shorturl.at/0TO15
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since launched an intensive probe into the incident. President William Ruto, addressing the matter from Migori on Sunday, condemned the murder in the strongest terms and assured the nation of justice.
“Lawlessness and violence cannot define our democracy,” Ruto said. “We have a duty to protect our people. This government will go after the killers and their collaborators. They will not succeed. We will find them, and we will ensure such a tragedy never happens again.”
So far, detectives have arrested four suspects, including a serving police officer. Authorities have pledged that the investigation will be impartial, thorough, and free from political interference. Still, critics within ODM remain skeptical, insisting that only swift and decisive action will quell public anger and restore confidence in the State’s commitment to justice.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has urged residents to maintain peace and composure during this difficult time. “This is a sad, painful moment for Homa Bay County. We have lost a devoted servant of the people. I appeal to all residents to mourn with dignity and to resist the temptation to act out of anger,” she said in a public statement.
The county leadership also welcomed President Ruto’s directive to fast-track investigations and commended the progress made so far, including the arrests. “This is not just about politics. This is about justice for a man who dedicated his life to public service,” Wanga added.
The funeral for the late MP, fondly known by various nicknames including Jakowaro, WuonOjaa, Ogai Ma Milambo, and Sir Chalis, is scheduled for Friday, May 9. The burial will be a significant moment of collective grief and reflection for both the local community and the nation.
According to the burial committee chaired by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, the body of the late MP will be flown to Kabunde Airstrip (Homa Bay Airport) before being transported by road to his final resting place. “We are still planning the route to allow the public to pay their final respects,” said Kaluma. “We invite all Kenyans to join us as we lay to rest a great son of our land.”
Kaluma also emphasized that the funeral must remain a peaceful and dignified occasion. “Let us honour Sir Chalis’ memory with unity and respect, and send a strong message that we stand together against injustice.”
As the country awaits the outcome of investigations, the tragic death of Charles Ong’ondo Were remains a stark reminder of the thin line between politics and violence. In life, he was a passionate defender of his constituents; in death, he has become a symbol of both political unrest and a rallying cry for justice.https://touchdigitalnews.com/ruto-continues-with-the-migori-tour-after-being-hit-with-a-shoe/