A sombre mood has gripped Homa Bay county as the body of slain Kasipul MP
Ong’ondo Were is transported to his home from Kabunde Airstrip on May 8, 2025.
The MP’s body was flown from Wilson Airport to Homa Bay ahead of his burial, scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025, at his rural home.
A large convoy of vehicles is escorting the body from Kapunde Airstrip, led by Governor Gladys Wanga and several MPs and politicians, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
Wanga and Kaluma were among senior politicians standing through the sunroofs of their vehicles as they led the procession ahead of the burial.
Thousands of residents lined the roads to pay their last respects, with the motorcade forced to slow down and stop several times due to the emotional crowds.
At Kapunde Airstrip, mourners who had turned up to receive the body wailed upon seeing the coffin being loaded into the hearse.
Loud cries and sobs were heard from residents who managed to get close to the airstrip as they mourned the late MP.
Ong’ondo was shot dead last Wednesday by an unknown gunman along Ngong Road. The assailant, reportedly riding a motorcycle, fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that the MP was shot five times in the chest at close range, in what police have described as a targeted and premeditated attack.
According to the funeral programme, there will be a public viewing of the body ahead of his burial at his rural home in Kachien Village, Kasipul Constituency.
A board member of a parastatal is among three new suspects arrested in connection with Ong’ondo Were’s murder.
The MP’s body was taken home on the same day police announced a major breakthrough in the investigation.
The board member was arrested in Nakuru and driven to Nairobi for questioning after being adversely mentioned in the probe. Also arrested were Ong’ondo’s bodyguard and driver.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said that one of the two guns recovered during an operation on Tuesday night was used in the killing.
“Ballistics tests have confirmed that one of the guns was used in the murder,” he said.
