Junet condemns celebration of leaders’ deaths, urges critics to wait for elections
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has strongly condemned the growing trend of celebrating the deaths of political leaders, calling it inhumane and disrespectful to grieving families.
Speaking during the requiem mass of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Suna East legislator criticised those who publicly celebrate the deaths of politicians, reminding them of the humanity behind public figures.
He urged Kenyans to express their political differences through elections instead of rejoicing in the misfortunes of leaders.
“I want to ask people who celebrate the death of a leader to please stop it. Politicians are also fathers, they are husbands. They have children. They have families. If you have a problem with a politician, wait for the election and deal with him. Don’t celebrate when he’s he has a problem,” he stated.
Insensitive posts
He also condemned what he called insensitive online posts that mock deceased leaders, emphasising that everyone is mortal and deserves dignity in death.
“We have seen time and again people celebrating social media that a leader has died. Even you who are celebrating—one day, you will die, and you will not want anyone to celebrate your death,” he remarked.
Junet appealed to Kenyans to respect the families of politicians during times of mourning, noting that leaders also deserve compassion and support when they experience personal loss.
“They are also human beings and let’s accord them the necessary support they need at the time, especially when they are grieving, when they have lost a father and when they’ve lost a kin. That’s my plea to Kenyans who have been celebrating,” he added.
Speedy investigations
In addition, Junet urged investigative agencies to expedite the investigations regarding the circumstances surrounding Were’s death, which occurred under unclear conditions last week.
“We are not saying this because he was a Member of Parliament. He was a Kenyan, a husband, a father, and a leader with the aspirations and mandate of over 100,000 people,” Junet emphasised.
He highlighted that Were’s constituents, much like his family, deserve answers and closure.
“I would like to ask the investigative agencies to expedite this matter so that the family can come to terms with what happened to their father,” he added.
He further cautioned against making unfounded accusations, stating, “Let’s not associate people with things we cannot substantiate.”
Were’s death
The late MP was shot dead by a pillion passenger on a sports bike, who disembarked, went around to the co-driver’s seat, and opened fire before fleeing the scene on April 30, 2025, along Ngong Road.
Postmortem results revealed that Were was killed by five bullets that penetrated and ruptured vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
He will be laid to rest on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Homa Bay County, in a ceremony expected to be attended by President William Ruto, ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, and other politicians from across the political divide.
