What Leaders Should Learn from Kasipul MP Charles Were’s Death - Irungu Nyakera

Former KICC Chairman Irungu Nyakera has described the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Were as a wake-up call to the country's political class.

In a statement on Thursday, May 1, Nyakera said the reaction to the incident reflects a deeper national crisis marked by a disconnect between leaders and the people they serve.

He noted that the public's response to the MP’s death is not rooted in hostility, but in exhaustion with a system that has failed to deliver.

“The killing of Kasipul MP Charles Were is a painful reminder of how far we have fallen as a nation. But perhaps even more tragic is the silence, indifference and apathy from ordinary Kenyans; not out of hatred for the fallen MP, but from deep, growing fatigue,” he said.

Nyakera expressed concern over the weakening of parliamentary independence, accusing lawmakers of surrendering their role and becoming extensions of the executive.

“Kenyans are tired of a Parliament that has become a rubber stamp to, and extension of, the executive.

"Kenyans are tired of leaders who go silent when citizens suffer, only to speak when tragedy strikes one of their own. Kenyans have stopped caring, and they have stopped clapping,” he added.

Nyakera called on elected leaders to honour Were’s legacy by reclaiming the trust of the people and putting public interest at the centre of governance.

"To our leaders, let this not just be a moment of mourning; but a moment of reckoning. It is time Parliament breaks free from executive capture and reclaim its duty to serve the people by oversighting the executive. 

"Rest well, Hon. Were. Your death should not be in vain. I pray that it jolts our leaders into finally putting the people first,” he said.

Were was on Thursday evening, April 30, shot and killed by unknown assailants on a motorcycle on Ngong Road, Nairobi County.

According to eyewitness reports, the MP was ambushed by two gunmen who were trailing his vehicle on a motorbike.

The attackers reportedly disembarked from the motorbike and shot Were at close range in what appears to be a targeted killing.

The incident took place at around 7:30 PM. The MP’s driver, who was with him at the time, survived the attack.

Were was rushed to a Nairobi hospital following the shooting but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The motive behind the shooting remains unknown but the MP had claimed that his life was in danger.