Heroic send-off as the body of slain Kasipul MP is transported home

Emotions ran high yesterday as the body of slain ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001518510/gun-linked-to-kasipul-mps-murder-found-as-police-arrest-10-suspects?utm_cmp_rs=amp-next-page">Kasipul MP< Ong’ondo Were was transported to his home ahead of his burial scheduled for today.

Thousands of mourners lined up across several towns to wait for his body which was flown to Kabunde airstrip shortly after 11 a.m.

A mammoth crowd comprising people from all eight constituencies in Homa Bay thronged the airstrip to receive Were’s body. The convoy ferrying the body then left for his home as mourners followed in tears.

Residents wailed as they used various nicknames in praise of the late Were. Such nicknames included Pindra (energetic man), Ogayi ma Milambo (peace maker of the South), Were Milele na Milele (a Kiswahili slogan he used to demonstrate that he would serve as an MP forever).

They described his death as a major blow to the county and described him as a dedicated leader who was ready to serve his people.

"We have lost a giant, a man who gave it all to serve his people," said a mourner.

Some of the mourners recounted how he used to entertain them in public rallies.

Some of Were’s humorous speeches were being played in a public address system as the convoy proceeded to his home.

 “Ukimwabudu Bwana, Urembeshe hekalu, Maisha yako kwako Mno (He meant that if you worship God, give offerings, you will be blessed abundantly).” Mourners cheered to the quotes.

In what appeared like Were had predicted his demise, he recently told members of his ODM party to drape his body using an ODM flag and attend his burial in large numbers.

And just as his wish, the party members turned up in droves and chanted ODM slogans and Were's slogans.

Police had difficulties in controlling the crowd at the onset of the journey from Kabunde Airstrip to Homa Bay Town.

In Homa Bay Town, the convoy stopped and residents viewed the coffin.

From Homa Bay Town in Homa Bay Town constituency, the convoy moved to Olare Trading Center in Rangwe Constituency, Kendu Bay Town in Karachuonyo Constituency, Kosele Trading Center, and Oyugis Town in Kasipul Constituency.

The body was taken to Ogoro Sare Primary School for a public viewing.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led a group of leaders who transported the body. The other leaders included the National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, his counterparts Martin Owino of Ndhiwa and Adipo Okuome.

Wanga called for peace during Were’s burial.

“I urge residents to avoid violence during the burial. Let us come out in large numbers to accord Were befitting send off,” Wanga said.

Wanga distanced herself from the accusations that she had an interest in the arrests of some people over Were’s assassination.

She said police were conducting their investigations independently.

“Let it be known that police are doing their investigations independently. I have no hand in the investigations police are doing,” Wanga said.

This follows an accusation by Kasipul politician Philip Aroko, who alleged that Wanga wanted him to be arrested over the murder for political reasons.