The death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has ignited a storm of emotion across the country—most of it not grief. Instead of mourning, Kenyans took to social media with biting sarcasm and rage.
Some users even joked that the country might be “cleansed” if more politicians fell. The President’s condolence message triggered further backlash, with many calling his words hollow.
For some, the message felt disconnected from the growing frustration on the ground. The MP, shot dead in Nairobi, was no stranger to controversy.
His name was tied to over 20 allegations—ranging from violence to intimidation. Though Parliament reacted with shock, the public appeared unmoved.
In fact, some constituents in Kasipul expressed relief over his passing. One resident said, “He abandoned us the moment he won.”
Political analyst Martin Mureithi questioned how such leaders continue getting elected. He argued that the anger points to a broken electoral system and failing leadership.
The bitterness, experts say, is rooted in years of disillusionment. It exploded last year during the anti-Finance Bill protests in June 2024.
Thousands stormed Parliament, outraged by new taxes and rising living costs. That event marked a turning point in public trust toward the government.
Since then, each scandal or tragedy involving politicians has only deepened the divide. Many now view MPs as self-serving, corrupt, and detached from ordinary struggles.
Were’s death simply reopened those wounds. Instructing police to investigate, President Ruto promised accountability.
But the promise rang hollow for many citizens who’ve heard it before. “There’s always talk. Never justice,” said a Nairobi resident.
Others questioned why leaders are only investigated after death. To them, impunity lives—and dies—in politics.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has confirmed they have leads. Still, few expect answers.
Some fear the case will join the long list of unsolved political killings. Meanwhile, Kenyans are growing louder in their demands for a new kind of leadership.
One rooted in service, not survival. As one tweet read: “We’re not celebrating death—we’re mourning our democracy.”
By Kenyans