Former chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board Irungu Nyakera called for accountability and introspection from Kenya’s political class following the tragic death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo.
In a statement shared on his X account on May 1, 2025, Nyakera condemned the rising political violence and the political leaders’ growing indifference to the suffering of ordinary Kenyans.
“The killing of Kasipul MP Charles Were is a painful reminder of how far we have fallen as a nation. But perhaps even more tragic is the silence, indifference and apathy from ordinary Kenyans – not out of hatred for the fallen MP, but from deep, growing fatigue,” Nyakera stated.
He observed that many Kenyans are disillusioned by the state of Parliament, which he described as little more than a rubber stamp, effectively an extension of the executive branch. The public, Nyakera explained, has grown weary of politicians who remain silent when the nation faces hardship, only to speak out when tragedy strikes those within their political circles.
“Kenyans are tired of a Parliament that has become a rubber stamp to, and extension of, the executive. Kenyans are tired of leaders who go silent when citizens suffer, only to speak when tragedy strikes one of their own. Kenyans have stopped caring, and they have stopped clapping,” the former KICC boss said.
Adding;
“To our leaders, let this not just be a moment of mourning, but a moment of reckoning. It is time Parliament breaks free from executive capture and reclaim its duty to serve the people by overseeing the executive. Rest well, Hon. Were. Your death should not be in vain. I pray that it jolts our leaders into finally putting the people first.”
Ong’ondo’s death
His remarks come after the shocking assassination of MP Ong’ondo, who was shot by two unknown assailants in Nairobi.
Ong’ondo’s death, which occurred on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, has left the nation in mourning. Reports indicate that the MP was shot at close range by a gunman who jumped off a motorcycle at a junction near Nairobi Funeral Home, previously known as City Mortuary.
The assailants sped off after the attack. The MP’s driver survived the assault, but Ong’ondo succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to City Hospital.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident. In the months leading up to his death, Ong’ondo had repeatedly warned of increasing political violence in the Kasipul region.
He spoke openly about political opponents bringing in outsiders to incite violence and intimidate his supporters.
In February 2025, the MP revealed a series of attacks, including an incident at a funeral in Kalando, where his car tires were slashed by goons, and one of his team members was abducted and later released, wounded but alive.
“My car was deflated by known goons who knifed the occupants and kidnapped one of them. He was later released at midnight and is still recovering,” Ong’ondo had shared in a statement.