Salasya reveals why he will skip burial of Ong’ondo Were

Arnold Ngure 08th May, 2025 09:26 PM

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya at a past event. PHOTO/@peter-salasya/Instagram

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has revealed the reason why he will fail to attend the burial of his counterpart in the National Assembly, Charles Ong’ondo Were.

In a statement on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Salasya indicated that despite his failure to attend the event, he has sent in his contribution to the family of the MP, who was shot dead along Ngong Road.

“I had really wished to attend and give him the last respect at his home in Kasipul. Unfortunately, I will be in Mombasa. I want to stand again with the people of Kasipul, friends and his immediate family during this hard time; though as members I have also given my small personal contribution,” Salasya stated.

Mombasa campaigns

Salasya revealed that despite carrying out his campaigns at the coastal city of Mombasa, he will find time in due course to condole with the family members of the late MP.

“It will be very unfortunate for me as a presidential candidate not to attend, but I promise people of Kasipul and the entire family of honourable Ong’ondo Were to come in person and say pole,” he noted.

A funeral hearse carrying the remains of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were seen on Uhuru Highway on its way to Consolata Shrine in Westlands for the requiem mass on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. PHOTO/ www.facebook.com/GladysWanga043

The vocal first-term MP challenged Kenyans against celebrating the demise of the late Ong’ondo Were, noting that respect for life is paramount.

“I call upon peace, love and unity in Kasipul amongst its people. I also want to remind Kenyans that anyone who doesn’t respect the life of someone will never see heaven because life is sacred and is only given by God,” Salasya remarked.

Preparations in top gear

Preparations are in top gear at the Karabok home of the late MP, where the funeral programme will be conducted.

Salasya’s statement on his absence from the late MP Were’s funeral. PHOTO/@pksalasya/X

Already, the venue of the funeral- Agoro Sare Primary School- has been secured ahead of the programme, which will see senior leaders in the government attend.

Both speakers of the Houses of Parliament have confirmed their attendance. The funeral will also be graced by senior ODM leaders, including Raila Odinga, cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, heads of government agencies, departments and parastatals and several religious leaders.

The casket bearing the remains of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were being carried into Consolata Shrine in Westlands for the requiem mass on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. PHOTO/ www.facebook.com/GladysWanga043

Homa Bay’s Kabunde Airstrip is expected to be a beehive of activity after technicians spent the week ensuring its readiness for the political delegation expected in the county.

The late MP was shot dead by a pillion passenger of a sports bike, who disembarked, went around the co-driver’s seat and opened fire before fleeing the scene on April 30, 2025, along Ngong Road.

Postmortem results revealed that Were was killed by five bullets which pierced through and ruptured his vital organs, including the heart, lungs and blood vessels. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the nearby Nairobi Hospital.

His bodyguard and driver, who were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, have since been arrested in connection with the death, making the total of those arrested in connection with the death rise to 10.