In a moving appeal during the requiem mass of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, Leader of Minority in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed has called on Kenyans to stop celebrating when politicians face tragedies or death.
Speaking at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, the Suna East MP emphasized the humanity of political leaders, reminding the public that politicians are also family members with loved ones who grieve their loss.
“I want to ask Kenyans who celebrate the death of a leader to stop it. Politicians are also fathers, they are husbands and have families,” Mohamed stated firmly to the congregation gathered to honor the slain MP.
Mohamed urged citizens who have grievances against politicians to express their dissatisfaction through democratic means rather than rejoicing in their misfortunes.
“If you have a problem with a politician, wait for elections and deal with him. Do not celebrate when he has a problem,” he said.
The Minority Leader noted a concerning trend of social media celebrations following the deaths of political figures, adding, “Even those celebrating will one day die and they will not want people to celebrate their deaths.”
His remarks come in the wake of the shocking assassination of MP Were, who was shot five times at close range on April 30 near City Mortuary by a lone gunman who escaped on a motorcycle.
Police reports indicate the suspect had followed the MP’s vehicle from Nairobi CBD after he had concluded parliamentary business, suggesting the murder was premeditated.
Mohamed called for expedited investigations into Were’s killing, noting that the MP had previously expressed concerns about threats to his life.
“All those who he was leading want to know why their MP was killed. I would like investigative agencies to give answers so that the family can come to terms with the loss of their loved one.”
The Minority Leader also emphasized the need for public empathy during such tragic circumstances.
“We are not saying this because he is an MP. He is a Kenyan; he is a father and he is a leader who has the aspirations and mandate of over 100,000 people,” Mohamed concluded.
Were’s death has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about the safety of political figures in Kenya, with many calling for thorough investigations and justice for the slain parliamentarian.
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