The burial of slain Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo Were has been scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home in Homa Bay County, as investigations into his tragic murder continue.
Speaking on May 2, 2025, during a briefing by the Funeral Committee, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma confirmed the burial arrangements and outlined the week-long schedule of events leading to the final farewell.
Kaluma, who chairs the committee, announced that a requiem mass in honour of the late lawmaker will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, subject to final confirmation.
“The Requiem mass will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, hopefully at the Holy Family Basilica. On Thursday, following the requiem mass, we will transport the body home, and the body will be flown to Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay before the body is transported to his home for the final rites,” Kaluma stated.
The funeral committee further confirmed that an autopsy has been scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, to be conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor.
The post-mortem examination is expected to provide crucial details to aid investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the MP’s murder.
National outcry
Were, a second-term MP, was shot dead on the night of April 30, 2025, along Ngong Road near the City Mortuary roundabout in what police suspect was a targeted attack.
His murder has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
In a statement on Thursday, May 1, 2025, ODM party leader Raila Odinga condemned the legislator’s killing, describing it as a gangland-style execution in the heart of the capital.
“The gangland-style execution of Hon Were in broad daylight at the heart of the capital city is shockingly barbaric and must be condemned with total contempt,” he stated.
He called for calm among the public and the bereaved family, noting that security agencies had assured him of a swift and thorough investigation.
“I have spoken to and received assurances from state security agencies that a prompt and conclusive investigation in this matter of national interest is to be undertaken. Likewise, I appeal for calm as we wait for answers from the authorities,” Raila stated.
President William Ruto also urged the police to apprehend those responsible for the murder.
“May God grant the family and the people of Kasipul strength to bear with the loss of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were. We urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. Those responsible must be held to account,” Ruto stated in a statement shared on his X page on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Parliament mourns
In a statement dated May 2, 2025, the National Assembly conveyed that various committees, including the Blue Economy and Water and Irrigation Committee, where Were served, have eulogised him as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for development in his constituency and beyond.
“Hon. Ong’ondo Were was one of our most proactive members. Despite also serving as Vice-Chairperson of the Cohesion Committee, he consistently made time for our work. In fact, I often found him already seated whenever I arrived for meetings,” Committee Chairperson and Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen said.
The National Assembly Board of Management, led by Clerk Samuel Njoroge, visited Were’s home in Karen to mourn the fallen legislator and assured his loved ones of Parliament’s solidarity and support.
“We have lost a committed leader who served his people with devotion. We stand with the family during this difficult time and call on the authorities to ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice,” Njoroge stated.