The Ministry of Interior has called for calm and caution ahead of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ong’ondo Were’s burial.

In a statement issued on the evening of Thursday, May 8, 2025, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized peace and calmness during Were’s funeral proceedings.

“As the government, we continue to urge calm and caution on behalf of everybody because we need to give the late MP a decent send-off. We expect that the ceremony will be peaceful,” Omollo stated.

He noted that the concerned government agencies are closely working with parliament and the family to make the burial go smoothly and peacefully.

“We have the relevant government agencies working closely with the leadership of parliament because this was a member of parliament and family to ensure this process is undertaken well,” he added.

Were’s burial

Were will be laid to rest on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Kachien, Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County.

According to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Were will be buried in the party’s colour as per his wish.

Apart from being buried in ODM regalia, Sifuna also stated that members of ODM who will attend the funeral in party attire should not be condemned or victimised, as they are simply fulfilling the wish of their departed colleague.

“I am averse to attending burials wearing political colours, but you’ll forgive us since it was MP Charles Were’s wish to be buried in ODM colours,” Sifuna said.

Were’s wish

While speaking during the burial of Raila Odinga’s long-time aide, a few weeks before his assassination, the MP had expressed a desire to be buried in ODM colours and his coffin be covered with the party’s flag, just like Raila’s bodyguard.

“Atamimi sikuile nitapumuzika,naomba watu wa ODM nyinyi muniweke hii bendera na nyinyi mukuje kwa fujo,” he said.

Funeral expenses

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, during his visit to the late legislator’s home in Karen on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, confirmed that the government will cater for the MP’s burial expenses.

“We will be responsible for mortuary fees, buying the coffin, transporting the body, and airlifting the family to Homa-Bay’s Kabunde Airstrip to allow you to get home in preparation for the Friday event,” Wetang’ula disclosed.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigations into his murder have since intensified, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) pursuing all leads. So far, 10 individuals have been arrested, including his bodyguard and driver.

Several bullets and ammunition suspected of having been used in the shooting were recovered during the investigation.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, while addressing the media on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, stated that people close to the MP may have played a role in the murder.

Let the Law take its Course and Let the Late Member of Parliament Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were be laid to rest in Peace – Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo.@NAssemblyKE @Kenyajudiciary @ODPP_KE @NPSOfficial_KE @DCI_Kenya pic.twitter.com/Xr3F55eENQ

— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) May 8, 2025