The family of former Matungu Member of Parliament David Were is in mourning following the death of his son, Hannington Were, who was allegedly attacked and killed by unknown assailants in Kisumu.
According to reports, the incident happened around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Hannington, 39, and his friend Peter Mutua had left home shortly after midnight when they were accosted by two men on a motorcycle.
Mutua recounted that the attackers turned back and confronted them, then struck Hannington with what appeared to be a metal object.
“They came with the motorbike, turned back, and pulled out something that looked like a metal bar, which they used to hit him. I ran away while calling for help,” Mutua said.
Were confirmed that his son was rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“He was taken to hospital at around 2:30 a.m., and I was informed that he had sustained stab wounds on his back,” Were said.
The body has since been moved to the hospital mortuary as police launch investigations into the incident.
The killing comes barely months after another son of the former MP, Philomen Were, 41, was reportedly killed on January 9, 2026, in Nairobi by his tenant. The family is still seeking justice for his death. He is survived by a wife and a son.
Kisumu Central Subcounty Police Commander Boniface Ndirangu said investigators are looking into the case.
Meanwhile, residents of Kisumu have expressed concern over what they describe as a rising wave of insecurity in the city and surrounding areas, citing an increase in robbery with violence cases in recent months. They have called for intensified police patrols and enhanced security measures.
Human rights activist Audi Ogada called for an overhaul of senior police leadership in the region, accusing security officials of failing to address the growing crime rate.
“These officers enjoy protection while criminals continue to terrorise residents. Immediate action must be taken to restore public confidence in security agencies,” Ogada said.
He further alleged that some police commanders had become ineffective and should be transferred to other stations.
“We have witnessed increased crime, political lawlessness, and allegations of bribery, all of which must be addressed urgently,” he added.
Ogada warned that Kisumu risked descending into lawlessness if authorities failed to act decisively against criminal gangs.
“We cannot afford to have a city controlled by gangs. Law and order must prevail,” he said.
Communication strategist Odhiambo Otieno also urged authorities to strengthen security operations, including increasing patrol vehicles at police stations and improving street lighting in poorly lit areas.
He further called for stricter regulation of boda boda operations, including proper identification of riders and restrictions on carrying multiple passengers.
“We need enhanced patrols in all estates across Kisumu, and each police station should be equipped with additional vehicles to improve response to crime,” Otieno said.
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