Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against instigating or planning any form of chaos during the upcoming burial of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Were. Speaking on Tuesday morning, the governor appealed for a peaceful, dignified, and appropriate farewell for the late MP, whose funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 9.
In her emotional address, the outspoken governor urged residents of Homa Bay to remain calm, patient, and peaceful as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the MP’s murder. She expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his decisive directive calling for prompt investigation and apprehension of those responsible for the lawmaker’s death.
“This is a sad, difficult and trying time for Homa Bay following the fatal shooting of Hon. Charles Were,” Wanga stated. “We have lost a beloved son of our soil, and mourn we must, but I call on all of us to exercise restraint as we continue to mourn.”
She further acknowledged the government’s efforts in the investigation process, saying, “We appreciate the firm directions given by the President to expedite the investigations and bring the culprits to book. We take note of the progress and arrests made and look forward to an outcome of the matter.”
The late MP Were will be laid to rest this Friday after an autopsy revealed his cause of death.
According to Chief Government Pathologist Johannsen Oduor, Were succumbed to severe bleeding resulting from five gunshot wounds. The autopsy confirmed that the gunshots left two entry wounds in the left forearm, two on the left side of the chest, and one bullet lodged in the spine.
Following thorough investigations conducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder. These individuals were presented in court yesterday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the court granted a 30-day detention order to allow homicide investigators to complete their work.
Each suspect has been detained at different police stations across Nairobi to ensure the integrity of the investigation. The DCI has assured the public that specialized units, including homicide and forensic teams, are working diligently on the case. “Specialised units, including homicide and forensic teams, are working diligently to uncover all aspects of the crime, including the motive, to ensure a comprehensive investigation,” stated the DCI in their statement.
The governor’s call for peace comes at a critical time when emotions are running high following the tragic loss of the popular legislator.