ODM Flexes Muscle in Kasipul as Boyd Were Clinches Decisive Win

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) strengthened its position in Nyanza after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared Were the winner with 16,819 votes.

He is the son of the late Charles Ong’ondo Were, who held the seat until his murder in April. Independent candidate Philip Nashon Aroko received 8,476 votes, while the Movement for Democracy and Growth’s Omondi Collins Okeyo secured 4,796. A total of 32,260 ballots were cast from 67,513 registered voters, indicating a turnout that reflected the constituency’s engagement in the closely watched contest.

ODM leaders described the result as an important demonstration of the party’s organisational strength following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga, last month. National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said the victory showed the party’s continued influence in the region and credited local leaders and members for an intensive mobilisation effort.

The campaign period was marked by violence in which two people were killed and several others were injured. Wanga urged the newly elected MP to work towards ending recurring unrest during elections in Kasipul.

The by-election also revealed divisions within Homa Bay County’s leadership. Governor Wanga campaigned actively for Were, while her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, supported Aroko.

Were called for unity after his win, extending an invitation to his opponents to work with him for the benefit of the constituency. His message reflected appeals from leaders such as Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, who noted that voters had placed their confidence in a younger generation of leadership.