In the wake of the tragic assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, a powerful new voice has emerged to carry on his legacy—his son, Boyd Were.

The young man, who has largely remained out of the public eye until now, delivered a stirring message during his father’s burial on Friday, May 9, at their home in Kasipul, a moment many believe marked the beginning of a new political journey.

Boyd’s rise from mourning son to a potential political successor has been swift and symbolic.

In a widely shared TikTok video, Boyd is seen alongside a young photographer who introduces him confidently as "the next Kasipul constituency member of parliament."

With a firm handshake and a nod, Boyd appeared to accept the public endorsement—his first signal of intent to step into the political spotlight left by his father’s untimely death.

Ong'ondo was gunned down by unknown assailants on April 30, 2025, at the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road in Nairobi, a brutal and still unresolved murder that shook Homa Bay County and the nation at large. As mourners gathered to lay the seasoned politician to rest, Boyd stepped forward not only to grieve but to galvanise.

Dressed in solemn black, Boyd addressed the crowd with composure and clarity, thanking the people of Kasipul for their unwavering support of his father since 2013.

But what began as a tribute quickly transformed into a vow—one steeped in defiance and a promise to continue the path his father had carved out.

“First of all, as a family, we are not intimidated; we can't be intimidated. My dad did not raise a coward. Mzee was a fearless person and what I am sure of—he never raised a coward,” Boyd said, his voice steady and resolute.

In what many now see as the defining moment of the funeral, Boyd made a direct address to those behind his father's murder:

“For those who thought by eliminating dad they will succeed, it will not happen. It will not disrupt our course for the people of Kasipul.”

He concluded with a declaration that sent a wave of cheers through the crowd:

“To the people of Kasipul, I'm with you and I will not leave you. Mzee (Were) is still alive.”

As reported previously, the ODM party announced its intention to retain the Kasipul parliamentary seat within the family of the late MP.

Evans Ndege, the ODM chairman for the Kasipul branch, stated that the party plans to sponsor one of Were's family members, either his wives or sons, in the upcoming by-election.

Source: TUKO.co.ke