National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged MPs to tighten their security in the wake of the fatal shooting of Kasipul MP Charles Were.
Wetang'ula, who led MPs in consoling Were's family at their Karen home in Nairobi on Tuesday, also said the National Assembly will help foot the funeral costs for the slain MP.
“I encourage members to be careful. What has happened to Ongondo Were can happen to anyone. So I urge you to tighten your security. Don't fear to live and don't live in fear, but be careful. As Members of Parliament, very few people like you," Wetangula said.
He also urged politicians not to turn his burial, slated for May 9, into a political rally, even as he pledged to support the family during this difficult time.
Wetang'ula, who led MPs in consoling Were's family at their Karen home in Nairobi on Tuesday, said: "Let us all support the family during this difficult time."
“I beg you, don't make it a political rally; let it be a funeral so that we can be able to mourn our friend with the dignity that he deserves. Let us use the moment to mourn our departed colleague," Wetang'ula said as he led the legislators into a private session with the late MP's family.
“Lastly, Honourable Members, I have some issues to discuss with the family. For the MPs, it is no secret because this can happen to anyone. May I request everybody to leave the house so that MPs can talk to the family?” he said.
The late Were lost his life on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, when a gunman opened fire on him as along Ngong Road in Nairobi. The MP died instantly, with an autopsy report revealing that some of the bullets had punctured his vital organs.
Wetang'ula also urged fellow politicians not to live in fear but to tighten their security. He warned them about the dangers of online gossip and hate.
He added, “Do not pay attention to the filth and nonsense on social media. Kenyans have become very heartless. Kenyans have become people who are difficult to describe. Pay attention to your family.”
As he addressed the MPs, Wetang'ula spoke emotionally about his bond with Were and how deeply his death had affected parliament.
He noted that Parliament had lost many members during the current term and emphasised the importance of coming together during such times.
“Every time we lose, we come together as a family to support the family of our departed colleague,” he said.
