Kasipul MP Boyd Were has publicly rejected any form of revenge following the assassination of his father, Charles Ong’ondo Were, choosing instead to call for national healing and an end to political violence.
“Revenge cannot raise the dead, cannot comfort a grieving family and cannot build a nation,” the first-time legislator told the National Assembly on Thursday in an emotional maiden speech that was broadcast live across the country.
Emotional appeal in Parliament
The 35-year-old lawmaker, elected in a July by-election to replace his slain father, described the killing as a “deep wound” but insisted the answer lies in truth, closure and restorative justice rather than retaliation.
“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 said.
Were cited the recent attack on Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma during the Kasipul by-election as evidence of the growing insecurity that accompanies political contests in parts of the country.
Call for a new political culture
Paying tribute to all Kenyans killed in political campaigns, the MP urged citizens, government, faith leaders, civil society and international partners to build a democracy based on ideas rather than intimidation.
He promised his Kasipul constituents that he would champion the needs of widows, youth, farmers and children, with priority on electricity connection, clean water, better roads and sustainable development.
“This is not just my assignment; it is a covenant with my people,” Were declared, pledging to steer the constituency toward peaceful coexistence and economic growth.
The April assassination
Charles Ong’ondo Were was shot dead on 30 April 2025 along Ngong Road near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi. Gunmen riding a motorcycle had trailed his vehicle before one alighted and fired several rounds at close range.
Police described the killing as premeditated. An autopsy confirmed multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death. Four suspects were later arrested, with investigators probing claims the attack may have been an inside job. The elder Were had repeatedly spoken of threats to his life in the weeks before he died.
Boyd Were’s measured response has been widely praised at a time when Kenya continues to grapple with political tensions and occasional allegations of state-sponsored violence. Investigations into the murder remain active, with no one yet convicted.
