Ailing Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti on Saturday condemned the cold murder of Homa Bay County Roads minister nominee Donny Opar, who was killed on Friday night.
Confirming the incident, Rachuonyo North Police boss Nelson Ojuok said the newly-appointed minister was shot by unknown gunmen at his petrol station in Kendu Bay
The unknown criminals reportedly took away money, laptop and mobile phone before disappearing. The motive of the murder is not yet known.
And Awiti, who is undergoing eye treatment in Germany, asked residents to stay calm until investigations are done and concluded by authorities.
"Deeply saddened by the news on the brutal murder of Mr. Philemon Dony Opar, my CEC nominee for Roads, Transport and Infrastructure. We have lost great son who had shown commitment to offer service to the people of Homa Bay upon being sworn in.
"I strongly condemn this act of cowardice and wish to request the people of Homa Bay to keep calm while the security agencies investigate this matter with speed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dony. May God Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace," he wrote on Facebook.
With indisposition of Governor Awiti and the death of Opar, Homa Bay County has struggled lately. A section of MPs led by Homa Bay town's Opondo Kaluma, have been calling for Awiti's resignation.
Since 2017, Awiti has also been battling and election petition which was filed by Oyugi Magwanga. The case was however, dismissed at the Supreme Court in April this year.