The family of murdered Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles On'gondo Were has accused the government of negligence following his fatal shooting on Wednesday night in Nairobi.
The MP, who had served the Kasipul constituency for seven years, was ambushed and killed near the City Mortuary roundabout at around 7:30 PM.
Addressing the media from their home in Kachien village, Homa Bay County, the late MP’s family expressed outrage over repeated security warnings that they say were ignored by authorities. According to the family spokesperson, Were had filed several reports with the police regarding threats to his life, but no protective action was taken.
The tragic incident has sparked public outcry, with community members and political leaders urging the government to speed up investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice. The killing comes just two months after Were publicly declared that his life was in danger, citing increased violence in his constituency allegedly orchestrated by outsiders.
In a press briefing held at Oyugis Police Station in February, Were detailed two incidents where he narrowly escaped harm during funerals in God Nyango and Nyatindo. He described how criminal elements had threatened him, and how villagers intervened during one such confrontation.
A separate video circulating online captures the late MP alleging that individuals from Kisumu and Migori were plotting to disrupt public meetings with plainclothes officers and hired youth to assassinate him.
Were is remembered for championing community development, including major Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in schools and clean water access.
His untimely death leaves a void in Kasipul and a legacy marred by questions over political violence and security oversight.
