Boyd Were: I will seek no revenge for my father’s death

Kasipul MP Boyd Were has said he will not pursue revenge over the killing of his father, Ong’ondo Were.

He instead called for healing and reconciliation.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Boyd delivered an emotional statement saying the death of his father left a deep wound, but vowed to focus on truth, closure and justice that restores dignity rather than retaliation.

“Revenge cannot raise the dead, cannot comfort a grieving family and cannot build a nation,” he said.

“I seek healing, reconciliation and an end to the cycles of violence that have stolen too many fathers, mothers and children from this country.”

He cited the attack on Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma on voting day as an example of the insecurity experienced during the by-elections.

In his address, Boyd also honoured those who lost their lives during political campaigns, stressing that their memories must strengthen the resolve to ensure that no family loses a loved one because of politics.

He called on Kenyans, the government, faith leaders, civil society and international partners to join him in building a country where political competition is based on ideas, not intimidation.

Addressing the people of Kasipul, Boyd pledged to champion the needs of widows, youth, farmers and children seeking opportunity.

He highlighted the urgent need for electricity, clean water, road networks and sustained development, saying these are the foundations of dignity and progress.

“This is not just my assignment, it’s a covenant with my people,” he said, promising to steer Kasipul toward peaceful coexistence and economic growth.

Ong’ondo Were was shot dead on April 30, 2025, in the streets of Nairobi by gunmen on a motorcycle.

The MP had come from Parliament and was seated on the passenger's side, which was targeted by the assailant, who was driven to the scene by a motorbike.

The attack happened along Ngong Road near a busy roundabout often manned by traffic police and well secured with cameras.

Police said the attackers had been trailing Were's vehicle before one of them got off the motorbike and shot him at close range.

"The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined," police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement.

An autopsy revealed five cartridges in his body, with death due to multiple internal injuries from gunshot wounds.

Boyd was elected to fill the vacancy his father left.