A solemn hush fell over Karabok Primary School grounds in Homa Bay County on Friday as the nation bid farewell to Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
A sea of mourners gathered under grey skies, their grief etched into the silence, broken only by hymns and the steady drumbeat of justice being demanded.
Were, gunned down in a brazen attack in Nairobi just nine days earlier, was buried at his rural home in Kachien village, leaving behind a shocked community and a country still grasping for answers.
From both sides of Kenya’s political divide, leaders travelled to honour the fallen legislator — a man remembered as principled, fearless, and deeply rooted in his community.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula led a delegation of lawmakers, county leaders, and clerics in a ceremony that doubled as a tribute and a reckoning.
“We have lost a brother, a fighter for the people,” said Wetang’ula, addressing mourners. “Justice must not be delayed, and we urge security agencies to move swiftly and decisively.”
The body of the late MP was flown from Nairobi to Kabunde Airstrip the day before, received by a somber procession of family, friends, and constituents.
Thousands lined the roads in Kasipul, paying final respects during a moving public viewing that turned into a spontaneous outpouring of grief.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who described Were as “a brave and unyielding servant of the people,” condemned the killing in stark terms.
“This is no ordinary death,” said Odinga. “It reminds us of dark days. Just like Tom Mboya, Charles was taken before his time, a victim of political brutality. We must not allow Kenya to slide backwards.”
Odinga’s comments were echoed by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who remembered Were as “a people’s leader who saw everyone, especially the youth and women often overlooked.”
In his eulogy, the presiding archbishop called for peace and urged the country not to respond to violence with more violence. “This is a wound for the nation, not just the family.
Let us answer hate with love, not vengeance,” he told the crowd, which included members of Parliament, clergy, county executives, and state officials.
The mourners, draped in orange scarves and black ribbons, wept openly as the casket — draped in the Kenyan flag — was lowered into the ground.
Were’s political career was closely tied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and his death has left a vacuum in Kasipul, where he championed infrastructure, education, and social equity.
“He was bold. He spoke truth to power,” said a local teacher, recalling Were’s frequent school visits and scholarship drives. “He never forgot us.”
Police continue to investigate the assassination. The 39-year-old legislator was shot at close range on the evening of April 30 while driving near the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road.
An autopsy carried out by Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor revealed five gunshot wounds, all fired from the left side. Two bullets were recovered from his body; a third from his car.
The motive remains unclear, but authorities say they are pursuing strong leads.
Four suspects linked to a notorious Nairobi-based gang known as “Mjahidini” have been arrested in connection with the killing.
According to detectives, forensic evidence — including gunpowder residue and mobile tracking data — placed the suspects near the scene.
They were arraigned on 5 May at the JKIA Law Courts, where prosecutors secured 30 more days to investigate. The next hearing is set for 5 June.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has promised a thorough inquiry. “We are leaving nothing to chance,” he said.
“Our team is working round the clock to analyse forensic evidence, pursue every lead, and bring the killers to book.”
For now, in the hills of Homa Bay, justice remains a distant echo — but one that the people of Kasipul are determined not to let fade.
