The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has strongly criticized what it describes as "irresponsible remarks and increasingly intolerant voices" from leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. This rebuke follows accusations that the State was involved in the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were.

In a statement released on Saturday, the UDA leadership in Homa Bay County dismissed the ODM leaders’ allegations as inflammatory and urged political leaders to exercise restraint as investigations continue. Silas Jakakimba, the Secretary of the UDA Party in Homa Bay County, signed the statement, emphasizing the ruling UDA leadership's call for a speedy investigation into the MP's murder.

Jakakimba also encouraged local leaders to promote individual responsibility and foster an environment of peace, cohesion, and tolerance during the investigative process. This statement is a direct response to comments from ODM leaders, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, who alleged the State's involvement in the MP's death. These ODM leaders also accused security agencies of ignoring political tensions in the region, noting that the late MP Were had previously reported threats to his life without apparent action from the police.

UDA insists that political posturing at this time will only divide the country and obstruct justice. Jakakimba reiterated that Kenya is a multiparty democracy where parties like ODM and UDA have the right to operate freely. He urged all leaders to focus on development and promote unity rather than inciting ethnic or political animosity.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Senator Moses Kajwang, National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, and Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma claimed that Were’s murder was planned by a government agency and carried out by trained individuals. Speaking at Were’s home, Wanga stated that ODM’s working agreement with the Kenya Kwanza administration was intended to address issues facing Kenyans, not to facilitate extra-judicial killings. MPs Kaluma and Millie expressed their readiness to withdraw from the arrangement if the State delays providing a comprehensive report on the murder, with Kaluma noting that the future of the broad-based government arrangement depends on how the government handles Were’s murder.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara and Teso North MP Okuu Kaunya, a member of the burial committee, requested that the National Police Service (NPS), through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), retrieve and review CCTV footage from the scene of the crime and apprehend the murderers before the burial.

MP Were was killed last week under unclear circumstances, causing widespread shock. ODM has alleged foul play, while UDA has maintained a measured stance, advocating for due process. The DCI has launched an investigation, with top security officials assuring the public of a thorough and impartial inquiry.