Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan has asked residents to maintain peace ahead of and during the burial of the slain Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were.
Lilan said there was need to provide the bereaved family a peaceful environment to mourn in dignity and for the public to pay their last respects to the legislator solemnly.
He expressed his concerns over reports to the effect that some individuals were planning to cause violence and disrupt the burial.
MP Were will be buried at his home in Kachien village in Kasipul constituency on Friday, May 9.
“We wish to categorically state that no individual or group will be allowed to instigate, sponsor, or perpetuate violence or lawlessness during the burial exercise. Anyone found engaging in such activities will face the full force of the law,” Lilan said.
Speaking to the press after chairing a security meeting on Thursday in his office, the administrator said it is a collective responsibility for the people to accord the late MP a dignified, peaceful and respectful sendoff befitting his legacy.
He said the security team in the county has put in place measures to ensure the safety and security of all mourners.
“We’re working in close coordination with all security agencies to ensure the funeral proceeds without incidences of violence or breach of peace. All mourners are assured of adequate security and are urged to cooperate fully with law enforcement personnel,” he said.
He urged Kasipul residents to remain peaceful as a way of honouring the late legislator for the impactful contributions he made to development of the constituency.
A section of ODM party officials from across the county also echoed Lilan’s sentiments saying the State had assured the family, friends and relatives of taking action against the killers.
The officials led by Caroline Owidhi (Rangwe constituency), Fred Okwany (Rangwe) and Narkiso Tuko (Suba North) urged supporters of the ODM party to accord the MP a peaceful burial.
“There is no need for ODM supporters to carry crude weapons and cause chaos in Ongondo Were’s funeral. The late MP loved peace and that should reflect in his sendoff,” Owidhi said.
Okwany asked people to stop misusing social media by posting sentiments that could incite residents to violence.
He said that Were was popular and that they were confident that the ongoing investigations over his murder would be conclusive.
“Arresting and charging all the people linked to the murder will ensure justice prevails for the family and friends of MP Were. We all loved Ongondo Were and that’s why we want peace during the burial,” Okwany said.
By Davis Langat
