The assassination of former Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in April shocked the country as it forced the constituency into reflection.
But Were’s death, it appears, only temporarily cooled political hostility in the area.
The calm that had returned to Kasipul was shattered during ODM’s nominations on Wednesday, which were marred by accusations of rigging, intimidation and violence as candidates sought the party’s ticket ahead of the forthcoming by-election.
Locals are counting their losses after property was vandalised when supporters of rival camps clashed.
The constituency, carved out of the larger Kasipul-Kabondo in 2010, has had a troubling reputation of violent politics.
Were was the second area MP to die while in office. Peter Owidi died in 2005. Both MPs died against a backdrop of political hostilities.
Kasipul Constituency where two sitting MPs – Peter Owidi and Charles Ong’ondo Were — have died in mysterious circumstances.
Photo credit: Pool
Over the years, funerals, church services and political rallies have been turned into battlegrounds with young men armed with crude weapons—knives, machetes and rungus— becoming regular features on the local political scene.
These youth gangs, locally referred to as Sangwenya, operate in the shadows of political campaigns. They are often accused of carrying out intimidation, attacking rivals, and sowing fear on behalf of politicians.
Their growing influence has destabilised local politics and is also affecting investment in the area as insecurity worsens.
“The death of Ong’ondo should have been a turning point. It is heartbreaking that members of the same political party, ODM, can turn against each other in this manner. Leaders must remember that in politics, as in sport, there will be winners and losers.
"Accept defeat with grace, embrace your opponent, and move forward. Violence serves no purpose,” said Ker Odungi Randa, the chairman of the Luo Council of Elders. But despite repeated appeals from elders, the chaos has persisted, affecting development and instilling fear in residents and investors.
During the latest ODM primaries, thugs stormed polling centres and openly disrupted voting. Some voters had to flee, fearing for their lives.
ODM officials inspect voting materials at Rachuonyo South sub-County offices in Oyugis Town, Homa Bay County, on September 24, 2025. The party conducted nominations to identify a candidate for the November 27 by-election.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
Accusations of ballot-stuffing and bribery were widespread, fuelling anger. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s warning against political violence did not deter the gangs.
And as Kasipul heads into a high-stakes by-election on November 27, anxiety is mounting. The contest is shaping up as a showdown between Boyd Were, ODM’s flag-bearer and son of the slain MP, and Phillip Aroko, his late father’s long-time rival.
For many, the by-election is not just about filling a vacant seat but a test of whether Kasipul can overcome its dark past. Residents say the outcome of the by-election will heal or fracture the constituency even further.
“Business owners will not invest in a region plagued by chaos. If Kasipul does not choose peace, we risk sliding deeper into political bloodshed,” said Dr Duncan Ochieng, a local professional.
Community leaders are urging ODM leader Raila Odinga to intervene and help restore calm in the area that is part of his party’s political base. “This violence is happening within ODM. Raila must speak out now. His silence will only embolden the gangs,” said Jacob Gaga, a resident.
The police have come under fire for failing to act decisively against perpetrators of violence. However, Murkomen has promised proper security measures ahead of the by-election.
Damaged vehicles parked at Berils Hospital in Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County on September 24, 2025. The vehicles were damaged by armed youths during ODM nominations in the region.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
He told all candidates to submit their campaign schedules to the IEBC to enable the police to deploy officers to prevent chaos.
“We are prepared. Where necessary, we shall reinforce county security teams with officers from other regions to maintain law and order. Disrupting a competitor’s rally is an electoral offence, and perpetrators will face arrest and prosecution,” the CS warned during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Kisumu.
