In the wake of the shocking assassination of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, Parliament is moving swiftly to overhaul its internal security systems and tighten oversight measures for all legislators. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has directed all MPs to submit their security details for fresh vetting as part of a broader plan to fortify the safety of public servants.
Speaking at the late MP’s requiem mass held at the Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, Wetangula emphasized the need for a holistic review of security procedures rather than focusing narrowly on isolated crime scenes. “This is not just about one incident. It’s about ensuring the entire system works to protect our lawmakers and by extension, the Kenyan public,” he said.
As part of the Parliament’s internal audit, Wetangula has instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to compile all CCTV footage capturing the late MP’s movements from his early morning gym session to his departure from Parliament later that day. This move underscores a new approach by the legislature one that prioritizes digital surveillance and accountability.
Additionally, Wetangula issued a public call to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to urgently assess and repair the city’s CCTV infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of having reliable, round-the-clock surveillance to discourage criminal elements and ensure timely responses to security threats.
The Speaker’s remarks indicate a growing recognition within government that public safety must be matched with proactive governance, particularly as threats grow more complex and unpredictable. By urging MPs to share their personal security details, Wetangula is signaling a shift toward collaborative security planning in government ranks.
This incident has catalyzed what may become a national conversation on institutional safety, surveillance systems, and the cost of neglecting them.
