The burial service for slain Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were is currently underway at Karabok Primary School in Homa Bay, with thousands of mourners and key political leaders in attendance.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is among the national leaders who have already arrived for the service, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga expected to join him.
Were was shot dead on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, by a lone gunman near City Mortuary along Ngong Road.
The assailant, who was riding a motorcycle, fled the scene immediately after the attack. However, ten suspects have since been arrested and arraigned in connection with the murder.
The MP will later be laid to rest at his Kachien rural home, where a night vigil was held ahead of the burial on Friday, May 9, 2025.
On Thursday, May 8, thousands of mourners turned out to receive the body in his hometown of Oyugis, Homa Bay County.
Business came to a standstill in major towns between Homa Bay and Oyugis as a massive convoy escorted the body from Kabunde Airstrip.
The funeral procession, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, passed through Homa Bay Town, Kendu Bay, Kadongo, Sikri, and Oyugis Town.
Several MPs and political leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, were part of the convoy.
“As the ODM party, we are united in grief and ask for God’s comfort during this difficult time,” said Governor Wanga during one of the stopovers.
The MP’s body was taken home the same day police announced a major breakthrough in their investigation. At around 5 p.m., the body arrived at Agoro Sare Primary School, where locals were given a chance to view the body.
Mourners formed long queues to pay their last respects to their slain MP, as security officers worked to control the large crowd.
The burial service is being held at Karabok Primary School grounds to accommodate the huge number of mourners, including several MPs from across the political divide.
