Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has continued to call for calm and restraint among the residents following the fatal shooting of Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were.
This, as preparations for his burial scheduled for May 9 (Friday), continues.
In a statement, Wanga urged the residents to remain peaceful, noting the county has lost a great servant.
“This is a sad, difficult, and trying time for Homa Bay County,” reads the statement.
“We have lost a beloved son of our soil, and mourn we must, but I call on all of us to exercise restraint as we continue to mourn.”
The county also commended President William Ruto’s directive to expedite investigations into the incident and welcomed the progress made so far, including arrests.
Speaking Sunday in Migori, Ruto said state agencies will unmask the MP's killers, asserting that his government is committed to safeguarding the lives of Kenyans.
"Lawlessness, violence cannot be part of our culture. We have a country to protect. Stability, peace unity of the nation a major ingredients in development and growing the economy.”
“We will get them, they will not succeed, they will have nowhere to hide, and we will go after their collaborators until we ensure that such an incident does not happen again in the country,” he said.
Detectives are currently holding four suspects, including a serving police officer, in connection with the incident.
The county boss at the same time called on all residents to unite in giving Were fondly known as Jakowaro, Wuon Ojaa, Ogai Ma Milambo, Sir Chalis, a befitting farewell.
“During this difficult time, I humbly ask our people to remain calm, patient, and peaceful as investigations continue. Let us honour Sir Chalis' memory with grace, strength, and unwavering hope.”
According to the burial committee chaired by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, the late MP's body will be flown to the Kabunde Airstrip (Homa Bay Airport) and will later be transported by road to his final resting place.
"We are still planning on the routes to take from Kabunde Airstrip to give the people of Homa Bay a chance to view the body of their MP and pay their last respects," Kaluma said.
"We will transport the body home on May 9, 2025, and we invite all Kenyans to the burial," Kaluma said.
Were was shot and killed on April 30, 2025, along Valley Road near City Mortuary in Nairobi.
An autopsy conducted showed that five bullets were fired at him.
