A faction of leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to pull out of the broad-based political arrangement with Kenya Kwanza if swift action is not taken to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Were was gunned down in Nairobi on Thursday in what ODM leaders describe as a calculated and politically motivated assassination.
During a visit to the late MP’s home in Kasipul constituency on Saturday, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Senator Moses Kajwang, National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma demanded immediate action and a thorough investigation into the killing.
They alleged that the murder was carried out by individuals with specialized training and may have been orchestrated by elements within a government agency.
Governor Wanga emphasized that ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration was intended to address critical national issues—not to condone or overlook extra-judicial killings.
“Our agreement with the government was to improve the lives of Kenyans, not to facilitate politically motivated assassinations,” she said.
MPs Kaluma and Odhiambo echoed these sentiments, stating that ODM is prepared to sever ties with the ruling coalition if the state delays in releasing a comprehensive report on Were’s killing.
Kaluma added that the future of the working arrangement between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government hinges on how the matter is handled.
“We cannot continue to engage in talks or partnerships with a government that does not take the lives of elected leaders seriously,” Kaluma said.
The leaders urged the state to act with urgency and transparency to ensure justice is served and restore public trust.
