Wetang'ula urges Kasipul MP's family to ignore malice on social media

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the family of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were to ignore a wave of online criticism and focus on grieving in unity.

Wetangula’s remarks come amid rising public allegations and disturbing accounts from constituents.

Speaking at the late legislator’s home in Karen on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Wetang’ula defended the family’s right to mourn in peace, describing the growing social media commentary as “filth and nonsense” that should not cloud the burial set for Friday.

“As a family, you have lost; don’t pay any attention to the filth and nonsense on social media,” said Wetang’ula.

“Kenyans have become very callous, heartless and difficult to describe. Pay attention to your family, that now you must live together as one.”

The Speaker’s emotional remarks came as social platforms lit up with  disturbing allegations linking the late MP to acts of violence and abuse of power during his time in office.

Several constituents of Kasipul have publicly accused the slain legislator of personal attacks and intimidation, casting a long shadow over his legacy.

Edward Odhiambo, a resident, recounted a 2025 funeral where he says he was violently attacked in the presence of the MP.

Another man, Bobby, claimed he and his brother were similarly targeted, alleging that the MP instigated the attack.

Their stories add to a growing number of testimonies being shared online, sparking heated debate about the late MP’s record.

Perhaps the most haunting accusation comes from the family of Dotty Apondi, who vanished in 2010 after allegedly being lured to Meru by the MP with a promise of employment.

Her sister claims Dotty disappeared just weeks into the job, and when police attempted to investigate the MP’s home, they were met with threats.

Fifteen years later, the family says they still lack answers, and their pursuit of justice continues—even after the MP’s death.

Wetang’ula, however, steered focus back to Parliament’s collective loss.

“As a family of Parliament, we have lost one too many of our members in this term,” he said, listing MPs Hassan Maalim (Banisa), William Cheptumo (Baringo), and Malulu Injendi (Malava) among the fallen.

He added that he had known Ong’ondo since 2013 when the late MP helped coordinate the CORD coalition’s campaign efforts in Meru.

“He was always the one receiving us… arranging our rallies. Since then, we became very good friends,” Wetang’ula recalled.