Kasipul MP Boyd Were Issues Emotional Maiden Speech in Parliament

Boyd Were, the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasipul constituency, delivered a deeply personal and emotional maiden address to the National Assembly on December 4, thanking his supporters for backing a "young grieving orphan".

Elected in the by-election held on 27th November, Mr Were steps into the role tragically vacated by his father, Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was slain earlier this year.

A Son Rises on the Shoulders of Sorrow

Addressing the chamber, the youthful MP stated he rose not with the pride of victory but with the solemn weight of destiny. Mr Were described his journey as being shaped by "pain, promise and profound responsibility".

He noted that his election was a testament to the resilience of the people of Kasipul.

According to him, his victory, however, carried both joy and unbearable sorrow, as he stood there with "two fresh graves behind me" – referring to his father and the late 'Baba' (former Prime Minister Raila Odinga), whose guidance he also longed for.

"You believed in a young grieving orphan when many had written me off. You wrapped me in courage, loyalty, and a shield of protection when grief and duty collided."

He offered deep gratitude to the Almighty God for carrying him through mourning and battle. He also paid tribute to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership, specifically naming party chair Her Excellency Gladys Wanga for believing in him.

Seeking Healing, Not Revenge

Mr Were made it clear that his father was not merely taken by fate, but "he was killed". He revealed that the ache of parental absence was not new to him, having lost his mother, Immaculate Amber Amouth, long before.

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"I long for truth, for closure and for justice, not the justice of retaliation but the justice that restores dignity, honours life and heals broken communities."

He stressed that he seeks no revenge, noting that revenge cannot raise the dead or comfort a grieving family. Instead, he desires healing, reconciliation, and an end to political violence that has stolen lives.

The Fire of Gen Z

The new MP affirmed that he rises carrying the fire of a new generation that refuses to be silent. Representing Gen Z, he articulated a vision for a Kenya where progress is measured in human dignity, not just in economic numbers.

He called for accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption. This new generation dreams of a country where public institutions are trusted, integrity is non-negotiable, and justice is a right.

A Father’s Tragic Death

The 7.30 pm killing of his father, MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, occurred on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The elder MP was fatally shot by a gunman while travelling on Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout.

Police reported that the lawmaker was attacked by two assailants riding on a motorcycle.

One of the attackers reportedly alighted from the bike and shot Mr Were at close range, while his driver survived the fatal encounter. Investigations were immediately launched into the brazen attack.