A moment of unexpected humour lifted spirits at the somber burial of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were when Lamu Woman Representative Monica Marubu turned heads with a bold—and cheeky—request.
Speaking during tributes in the late MP’s rural home of Kachieng’, Marubu caught mourners by surprise when she appealed to ODM Party leader Raila Odinga to “organise her” a husband—specifically one of Were’s sons.
“He once showed me that he had two sons who are close to my age,” she said, glancing at Odinga with a smile. “Raila, you can see I’m not wearing a ring on this hand. If you can send one of Were’s sons to Parliament, I, Muthoni, will take care of him. Raila, please organise me.”
The remark triggered hearty laughter from the crowd, offering a much-needed break in a ceremony marked by grief and remembrance. Cameras quickly turned toward one of Were’s sons, who smiled shyly, visibly caught off guard by the attention.
Though lighthearted, Marubu’s tribute was also deeply respectful. She praised the late MP’s devotion to his family, quoting his oft-repeated sentiment: “If you love them, marry them—don’t make them side-chicks.”
“He respected his wives and children dearly,” she added. “And to the two widows he’s left behind: live by his values and never forsake your children. He loved them just as much as he loved both of you.”
Marubu’s reflections echoed those of other leaders, who praised Were not only as a loyal ODM stalwart but also as a principled family man.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo delivered a passionate tribute, defending her decision to speak candidly about Were despite online criticism.
“I have been fighting with my friends on Facebook who want me to narrate Ong’ondo Were’s life as they see it. I will speak the truth about the person I knew—take it or leave it,” she declared.
Odhiambo also recalled the late MP’s integrity and loyalty, especially his decision to publicly support Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during a heated election period.
“Many people hid. He stood firm. He promised never to fight me politically and always supported my work in Suba North,” she said.
Were, remembered for his unwavering loyalty to ODM and its leadership, was described as a dependable figure in party matters and a champion of community dignity.
ODM leader Raila Odinga led a host of party officials in paying their last respects, in a ceremony filled with gospel hymns, tearful farewells, and moments of laughter that brought fleeting solace to the mourners.
Charles Ong’ondo Were was fatally shot on April 30 in Nairobi. He was laid to rest nine days later at his rural home in a farewell that blended sorrow, legacy, and a spark of humour that reminded all of the vibrancy he brought to life and leadership.
