The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s nomination exercise in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County, was marked by low voter turnout and incidents of violence on Wednesday.
The happenings cast a shadow over the process intended to identify a parliamentary candidate for the by-election scheduled for November 27, following the assassination of MP Ong’ondo Were in April.
Despite the significance of the exercise, only a few voters turned out to cast their ballots, as observed by Nation . The voting took place in churches and other public spaces designated by the party, such as chiefs’ offices. However, schools declined to open their gates for political activity due to ongoing academic sessions.
Concerns over the credibility and transparency of the nomination exercise were widespread. Mr Newton Ogada, one of the five aspirants, accused ODM officials of deploying underhand tactics to sway the outcome.
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
“They told us voting would begin at 7 am, but there were delays. This seems like a ploy to suppress democratic participation. Some voters, who had taken time off work to vote, found empty polling stations and left,” said Mr Ogada.
At several stations, voting began as late as 10 am, further frustrating voters. According to Mr Ogada, the delays could have significantly impacted voter turnout.
The ballot featured five aspirants: Newton Ogada, George Otieno, Boyd Were, Adel Ottoman and Daniel Majiwa. The eventual nominee will face off against Philip Aroko, Robert Riaga and others contesting as independent candidates.
Tensions escalated as aspirants clashed during the distribution of ballot materials. Mr Ogada and Mr Boyd Were engaged in a heated exchange, which was recorded and widely circulated on social media.
In response, ODM’s National Elections Board Chairperson Emily Awitta, accused Mr Ogada and Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga of being behind the delays. She alleged that one of the aspirants had invaded the material distribution centre, disrupting the process.
ODM members cast ballot during the party nominations at Kamuma Sub-location's chief camp in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, on September 24, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
Mr Magwanga, who has shown keen interest in the by-election, was also implicated. In an online video, he urged voters to choose wisely and warned against dynastic politics.
“A family member of a deceased politician should not automatically inherit their seat,” Mr Magwanga said, referencing failed political successions such as Mary Ojode, who unsuccessfully vied to replace her late husband Orwa Ojode in Ndhiwa in 2012, and Philip Owidi, who failed to succeed his brother Peter Owidi in 2005.
“In Kasipul, let us not vote out of sympathy. Elect a leader based on merit, not lineage,” he urged.
Several aspirants claimed they were not informed of the polling station locations. Mr Daniel Majiwa noted that while voters were accustomed to casting ballots in primary schools or SDA churches, most of these venues were unavailable.
“We suggested postponing the nomination, but our concerns were ignored. Voters were left confused and disenfranchised,” Mr Majiwa lamented.
Mr Otieno also accused ODM officials of favouring a particular candidate, deepening mistrust among the contestants.
Mr Boyd Were, in a statement released on Tuesday, alleged that some candidates were planning to incite violence.
"We call on the police to act decisively. They are aware of the culprits. Let us ensure a peaceful process. To the people of Kasipul, let us reject violence in all its forms. Come out in numbers and show that ODM remains the region’s strongest party. Let us shame the devil of violence masquerading as an angel among us,” he stated.
Despite appeals for calm, violence broke out near Agoro Primary School where rival youth groups, some armed with machetes, clashed. Several vehicles were stoned and windscreens shattered in the chaos.
In a stern warning, ODM reiterated its commitment to a peaceful process. “This is a notice to any candidate determined to disrupt the exercise, threaten election officials, or delay proceedings: disciplinary action will be taken, including disqualification from the race,” Ms Awitta warned.
The tallying centre for the nomination exercise has been set at the County Government headquarters in Oyugis Town.
