Consolata Shrine Father Deogracious Kibirangu during the memorial service of Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were, May 7, 20205. /ENOS TECHEFamily, leaders and friends of the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were gathered for a requiem mass in his memory on Wednesday.
The event was held at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi.
Were was eulogised as a family man who dedicated his life to the church and serving the people of Kasipul constituency.
The MP's life was tragically cut short on Wednesday, April 30 after a lone gunman travelling on a motorbike shot him near the Nairobi Funeral Home, Nairobi.
During his memorial service, his family and leaders called for a speedy probe into the murder.
After the speeches, Consolata Shrine Priest Father Deogracious Kibirangu cut short Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, who was the MC, as he was finishing up on the list of speakers.
The priest called out some of the visitors who were allegedly handing out cash to people outside the Church.
He said that the move caused chaos among the mourners and called on them to stop the behaviour.
“Please, our dear visitors, don’t give money to anybody. Some people are giving money within, outside (and) causing chaos outside. I have been told that whoever is giving money out, please no, no giving money,” he said.
His comment sent a wave of laughter across the church.
Earlier on, the priest called out a man who had won a hat in the church, and ordered him out.
“Just a moment, can that man with a hat go out. You knew you are not allowed in church with that, why did you enter with it? This is a church, it is not a market,” the priest said.
The cortege will leave Nairobi on Thursday, May 8, for an overnight vigil at Kendu.
The burial ceremony will take place on Friday, May 9, at his Kachieng home in Kasipul constituency.
Police said Were's murder was premeditated.
Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor revealed that the slain lawmaker was shot five times in the chest at close range.
