Homa Bay: 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 emphasized the need for a peaceful environment to allow the bereaved family to mourn in dignity and for the public to pay their last respects to the legislator solemnly. He expressed concerns over reports that some individuals were planning to cause violence and disrupt the burial.
According to Kenya News Agency, MP Were will be buried at his home in Kachien village in Kasipul constituency on Friday, May 9. Lilan made it clear that no individual or group would be allowed to instigate or sponsor violence during the burial. He warned that anyone found engaging in such activities would face legal consequences.
Speaking to the press after a security meeting on Thursday, Lilan stressed the collective responsibility of the community to provide a dignified and respectful sendoff for the late MP. He assured that the county’s security team has implemented measures to ensure the safety of all mourners.
The commissioner highlighted the close coordination with security agencies to prevent any incidents of violence or breach of peace during the funeral. He urged mourners to cooperate with law enforcement personnel and assured them of adequate security.
Lilan also encouraged Kasipul residents to remain peaceful in honor of the late legislator’s contributions to the constituency’s development. A section of ODM party officials from across the county echoed Lilan’s sentiments, emphasizing the state’s commitment to taking action against the killers.
ODM officials, including Caroline Owidhi, Fred Okwany, and Narkiso Tuko, called on party supporters to ensure a peaceful burial. Owidhi discouraged carrying weapons and causing chaos at the funeral, noting the late MP’s love for peace.
Okwany urged people to refrain from using social media to incite violence, expressing confidence that the ongoing investigations into Were’s murder would be thorough. He stressed the importance of justice for the family and friends of MP Were, calling for peace during the burial.