Jakakimba blasts Wanga over outbursts on MP Were murder

By Newsflash Reporter

Former Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga’s aide, Silas Jakakimba, has expressed disappointment with a section of politicians who have linked the death of Kasipul MP Charles Were to the United Democratic Alliance and the State.

Jakakimba, who is now the Secretary General of President William Ruto’s party in Homa Bay County, urged great restraint and called fellow political leaders to immediately stop finger-pointing at one another over the shocking murder that occurred last week on Wednesday evening.

Tempers flared on Saturday, 3 May, 2025, when ODM leaders threatened to walk out of the broad-based government if the State fails to arrest and prosecute the killers of Were. His death has elicited tension in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County.

The leaders, led by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, threatened to walk out of the broad-based government if the State fails to handle the matter with due diligence.

Wanga said the MoU on the broad-based government between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government was not based on assassination. Thus, the government must handle the inquest on Were’s murder with utmost seriousness. She said the MoU was based on improving the lives of Kenyans, not harming them.

“Let it be known that we did not sign an MoU for assassination. The MoU was meant to improve the lives of Kenyans,” Wanga said.

Wanga’s concerns

Wanga expressed concern that Were had reported to police that his life was in danger, but no action was taken. She challenged the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to tell Kenyans the actions he took after Were reported the threats he was facing.

“I want the Inspector General of Police to tell us what he did when Were wrote to him that his life was in danger. Then, he has to tell us who killed Were,” Wanga said.

Silas Jakakimba (left) with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Photo/Handout

She claimed Were’s death was meant to weaken her party leader, Raila Odinga, the ODM party, and herself as a close friend of Were.

Jakakimba has, however, condemned the rising tirade of irresponsible remarks and increasingly intolerant voices from the leaders.

Called for investigations

In his view, it is on record that the ruling formation, UDA leadership, both at national and county levels, have called for speedy investigations into the brutal murder of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were. At the county level, we urge for restraint, peace, and unity of our people as state agencies and security captains play their investigative roles.

“We wish to candidly reiterate that Kenya is a multiparty democracy, and the spaces and unit levels for its consequential practice are the counties spread out in 47 regions of the Republic, including Homa Bay County,” said Jakakimba.

The politician, who is eying the Suba North parliamentary seat, explained that the UDA, ODM, and all other legal political vehicles carry equal and unfettered political rights to representation and grassroots activities in Homa Bay County and elsewhere in the country.

“For the record, and in the interest of clarity, we urge for maximum restraint and call for all leaders from across the board to prime the spirit of individual responsibility and foster an environment conducive for the uplifting of our peoples’ livelihoods through development projects, cohesion, and tolerance.”