I Seek No Revenge - MP Boyd Were on Father Ongondo Were’s Murder

Kasipul MP Boyd Were has said he will not pursue revenge following the killing of his father, former MP Charles Ong'ondo Were.

Speaking on Thursday, December 4, he stated that revenge cannot bring back a loved one, cannot ease the pain of a mourning family, and cannot help the nation move forward.

"I seek no revenge for the killing of my father. Revenge cannot raise the dead, cannot comfort a grieving family, and cannot build a nation," he said.

Were added that his focus is on healing and reconciliation, calling for an end to repeated cycles of violence that continue to claim lives across the country.

"Instead, I seek healing, reconciliation, and an end to the cycles of violence that have stolen too many fathers, mothers, and children from this country," he added.

Were noted that he is honouring his father as well as all those who lost their lives in the violence witnessed during the campaigns.

"Today, I honour not only my father but also all those who lost their lives in the violence witnessed during the campaigns," he further said.

Ong'ondo was killed along Ngong Road on Wednesday, April 30, at the City Mortuary roundabout.

The MP had come from Parliament and was seated on the passenger's side, which was targeted by the assailant, who was driven to the scene by a motorbike.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the shooting was planned and premeditated.

"According to reports confirmed by the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, at around 7:30 pm this evening, a white Toyota Crown vehicle came to a stop at a red traffic light on Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout.

"Eyewitnesses have indicated that a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger stopped alongside the car. The pillion passenger approached the vehicle and fired shots at the passenger side before jumping back onto the motorcycle and speeding away," NPS stated.

An autopsy revealed five cartridges in his body, with death due to multiple internal injuries from gunshot wounds.

Prior to his death, Ong'ondo had lamented over the rising cases of violence in his constituency. 

He cited an instance where goons had blocked a road he was using to attend a funeral, adding that his convoy was attacked.

According to the MP, the violence was being perpetuated by goons who were non-residents, citing that they had been brought into the constituency from Kisumu and Migori.

"I went to a funeral in Got Nyang'o, and after the funeral, the road was blocked and I could not pass. Luckily enough, I had security.

"The following day, at a funeral in Nyatindo, immediately I arrived there, one of the notorious criminals stated that I would not talk there. The villagers there are angered, and what happened is being investigated," he stated.