Late MP Ong'ondo Were's convoy makes a stopover on May 8, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUTThousands of mourners turned up on Thursday to receive the body of slain Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were in his hometown of Oyugis, Homa Bay county.
Business came to a standstill in major towns between Homa Bay and Oyugis as a huge convoy escorted the body from Kabunde Airstrip.
The procession led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga passed through Homa Bay town, Kendu Bay, Kadongo, Sikri and Oyugis town.
Several MPs and politicians, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, were also among the large convoy.
“As the ODM party, we are united in grief and ask for God’s comfort during this difficult time,” Wanga told mourners during one of the stopovers from Kabunde Airstrip.
The MP’s body was taken home on the same day police announced a major breakthrough in the investigation.
At around 5pm, the body arrived at Agoro Sare Primary School, where locals were allowed to viewing opportunity.
Mourners formed long queues to pay their last respects to their slain MP at the school compound.
Thereafter, the funeral procession headed to the MP’s home in Kachien, Karabok, where a night vigil would be held ahead of the burial on Friday, May 9,.
Due to the large number of mourners expected, including several MPs from across the political divide, the funeral service will be held at Karabok Primary School grounds.
The body will then be taken to Were’s home in Kachien for burial.
Among the leaders expected to attend the burial ceremony are President William Ruto, ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries, speakers of both Houses of Parliament, parliamentary leadership, Principal Secretaries, and other senior government officials.
Earlier, residents lined the roads to pay their last respects, with the motorcade frequently slowing down or stopping due to emotional crowds.
At Kabunde Airstrip, mourners wailed upon seeing the casket being loaded into a hearse.
Loud cries and sobs echoed from residents who managed to get close to the airstrip as they mourned the late MP.
Were was shot dead On April 30 by a lone gunman along Ngong Road.
The assailant, riding on a motorcycle, fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor confirmed 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 Were’s murder.
The board member was arrested in Nakuru and taken to Nairobi for questioning after being adversely mentioned in the probe. Also arrested were Ong’ondo’s bodyguard and driver.
