Leaders lauded mourners for maintaining peace during final sendoff of the slain Kasipul Constituency MP Charles Ong’ondo Were even as they called for justice.
The MP was buried Friday at his rural home, Kachien village, in his constituency.
Homabay County Governor Gladys Wanga, who could not hide her joy after the successful ceremony, said, “We are peaceful, and we are dignified. Some people thought that this place was going to be a war zone, but the people have dignified Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were.”
The governor said people had come in a sea of oranges, adding that as the national chair of the ODM party, “I am very happy.”
Governor Wanga, however, said they want to know the mastermind of the murder of Ong’ondo.
“We want justice; the family wants to know what exactly happened to their father,” she said.
Homabay Catholic Diocese Bishop Michael Otieno Odiwa, who led mass during the burial rites at Karabok Primary School, said they appreciated the effort of the security agencies, who did a good job of hastening investigations into the murder and maintaining peace at the ceremony.
The bishop said they want to encourage the security agencies in what they are doing so that they could get the truth. “Truth. Not the way to revenge, but truth is going to give justice,” he said.
Were was killed in Nairobi by a gunman on a motorbike in what the police termed a targeted and premeditated murder.
The burial ceremony was attended by close to fifty members of the National Assembly and the Senate, led by the National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetangula.
“We are demanding justice,” Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang said as he lauded the security team for moving fast in the investigation and arrest but added that they wanted to know who ordered the killing of the MP.
The Senator thanked the people for remaining peaceful, saying they have demonstrated remarkable discipline.
“You have ashamed those who thought there would be violence and a bloodbath today,” the Senator said.
On Wednesday, Homabay County Commissioner Moses Lilan had warned any individual or group that would instigate, sponsor or perpetuate violence or lawlessness during the burial process would face the force of the law
He urged Kasipul constituency residents to remain peaceful as a way of honouring the late legislator’s contributions to the development of the constituency.
By Moseti Julius
