ODM leader Raila Odinga has termed the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were as a political assassination, demanding swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Speaking during Ong’ondo’s funeral, Odinga dismissed social media claims that emerged shortly after the incident, alleging that the deceased was linked to multiple killings. He challenged the credibility of the reports and questioned the failure of security agencies.
“If Ong’ondo had been involved in killing people, why was he never arrested or charged?” Odinga asked. “That’s not an allegation against Ong’ondo; it’s an accusation against our security system for doing nothing.”
Odinga further claimed that the individuals who circulated the social media accusations were behind Ong’ondo’s murder. “They orchestrated the reports to cover up their role. These people had been trailing him for a long time. They are known, and they must be brought to book.”
He linked the killing to a broader pattern of political violence in Kenya, citing historical examples like the 1969 assassination of Tom Mboya. “We have seen political assassinations before, and this must stop,” he said.
Odinga called for the creation of a more tolerant society where political differences do not result in violence. “People must be able to disagree and still shake hands at the end of it,” he said. “Political assassinations must come to an end.”
