Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated in Nairobi on Wednesday night, sparking grief, controversy, and outrage both online and offline. The second-term MP was gunned down by assassins on a motorcycle in what appears to be a planned attack at a busy roundabout, raising concerns about lawlessness and security in the capital.

Following Were’s death, social media platforms became a battleground of claims and condemnation, with some Kenyans celebrating the killing. This reaction highlights a breakdown in trust between citizens and elected officials and suggests a dangerous acceptance of violence as a solution to political grievances. Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, condemned the assassination and warned of rising politically motivated violence in Homa Bay County. CCTV footage shows a hooded man trailing the MP before shooting him multiple times, escaping on a motorcycle.

Mbadi spoke with President William Ruto, who expressed concern and issued directives to ensure justice. Mbadi suggested the assassination could be politically motivated, pointing to escalating violence in Homa Bay County, particularly in Kasipul and Ndhiwa constituencies. He urged politicians to uphold democratic values and refrain from using intimidation or violence.

The Greater Rachuonyo Elders Council appealed for calm and respectful mourning. They urged youth to refrain from inflammatory online posts and allow community leaders to handle the situation with dignity. The elders emphasized the importance of unity and peace, warning that recent tensions and political violence could worsen. The unresolved case of Dorothy Apondi, who disappeared after allegedly being promised a job by Were, resurfaced on social media, adding to the controversy.

Plans are underway for Were's burial, scheduled for Friday, May 9, following a postmortem on May 5. A requiem Mass will be held on May 7. The ODM party will honor Were's final wishes by draping his casket with the party's flag. A delegation of MPs will visit the late MP’s home to coordinate funeral preparations. The elders pleaded with the youth celebrating Were's death to show restraint and empathy, emphasizing unity and reflection.