Body of Were arrives at Karabok Primary for burial service amid emotional hymns
Remains of Charles Ongondo Were have been brought to Karabok Primary School in Kachien, Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County for the funeral service, after which the body will be taken back to his home for burial.
Were lay lifeless in a casket carried in a black Range Rover hearse, heavily guarded and adorned with his portraits, boldly displaying his name.
A large tent, set up just in primary school a few metres from his home, was already packed with mourners, each seated solemnly in their place. The clergy stood at the pulpit, ready to commit the assassinated MP to God. Sad hymns and comforting songs filled the air, offering solace to the grieving constituents who had trusted and elected him for two terms.
As the body was brought in, the clergy instructed everyone to rise and pay their final respects.
The hymns continued, echoing through the compound as the casket was ferried to the front of the pulpit.
Among those carrying the casket was Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
His presence was not just ceremonial; he seemed deeply affected, being a neighbour, since his constituency neighbours that of Were.
Kaluma’s deep emotion
Kaluma has shown immense emotion throughout the mourning period.
While addressing mourners at Were’s home days earlier, he was overwhelmed and nearly broke into tears.
For a man known for his toughness when dealing with political critics and those he disagrees with ideologically, such emotion cannot be taken lightly. It clearly reflected the deep bond he shared with the late MP.
Funeral planning
Kaluma has been at the forefront, representing the Parliamentary Service Committee in planning the funeral.
The body of the slain legislator arrived on May 8, 2025, at Kabunde Airstrip and was taken to his home in Kachien, escorted by a long convoy of vehicles.
Many Homa Bay residents lined the roadside to pay their last respects to the MP.
The procession made stops at several locations, with leaders present led by the Homa Bay Governor and Peter Kaluma, who addressed the grieving residents.
The funeral is currently ongoing and has drawn mourners from every corner of Kasipul, Kabondo, and the larger Homa Bay County, an overwhelming show of love and respect for a leader who prematurely lost his life.
