The Orange Democratic Movement Party affirmed its dominance in Nyanza politics after it retained Kasipul constituency seat in the Thursday by-elections.
Boyd Were was declared the winner in the contest, inheriting the seat left vacant following the murder of his father, Charles Ong’ondo Were, in April.
The mini-poll was a litmus test for the party, which was gauging its strength after the death of its former leader, Raila Odinga, last month.
Boyd Were displays his certificate after being declared the winner of the Kasipul parliamentary by-election.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Party National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said the victory is a testament that the party is still politically strong, resilient and ready for other political competition.
“Those who wrote off ODM because of the passing of Baba (Odinga) have now seen for themselves that ODM is the largest party south of the Sahara and north of River Limpopo,” Ms Wanga said.
She affirmed that the party is still in touch with its supporters across the country and that the victories have made party members more resilient and fired up for other political battles.
Ms Wanga said the party put a lot of machinery in place and mobilised its members and grassroots leaders to campaign for its candidates, especially in Kasipul.
“They spent sleepless nights to ensure that we turn around a strong and landslide victory here in Kasipul,” Ms Wanga said.
In Kasipul, she said a lot happened during campaigns, including ugly incidents where two people were killed and others injured.
“People have been hurt during this process unnecessarily and senselessly. This should be the very end of anybody getting hurt or losing their lives. We challenge our new MP to ensure that the culture of people losing their lives or getting hurt during elections comes to an end,” Ms Wanga said.
Mr Were was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer for the constituency, Rebecca Abwaku, after garnering 16,819 votes.
He was followed by independent candidate Philip Nashon Aroko, who garnered 8,476 votes.
Omondi Collins Okeyo of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) took the third position with 4,796 votes.
Robert Money Bior, an independent candidate, followed with 519 votes.
Mr Okello Jesse Samson Owen of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) took the seventh position with 85 votes. Mr Kotiende Sam Rateng Okoth of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was eighth with 72 votes.
Ms Jeazmen Linda Aoko, an independent candidate, got 26 votes, while Mr Ouma Robert Ouko of the Labour Party of Kenya (LPK) came last with 17 votes.
In the by-election, 32,260 out of 67,513 registered voters cast their ballots.
Ms Wanga said voters had made a decision during the election and asked the MP-elect to serve the electorate.
“Boyd is strong. He is focused, and I am sure he will deliver for the people of Kasipul in partnership with the county and national governments,” the Homa Bay governor said.
Apart from ODM, the victory in Kasipul has also boosted the stature of Governor Wanga, who is not only seeking a second term in 2027, but also a possible running mate position for President William Ruto.
Governor Wanga literally camped in the constituency to campaign for Boyd, son of former area MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (left) addresses ODM supporters after Boyd Were (centre) was declared the winner of the Kasipul parliamentary by-election on Nvemebr 28, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
The campaigns had even pitted her against her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, who defied the county boss and threw his weight behind Mr Aroko, the independent candidate.
It will be interesting to see how their relationship pans out in the coming months before the elections.
Mr Were extended an olive branch to his competitors, asking them to shelve their political differences and join him in serving the people.
“I call on all my opponents to join me in serving the people of Kasipul. I thank my ODM party leadership for the support they have accorded me,” Mr Were said.
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo said Boyd’s election showed that people have confidence in the leadership of young people.
“I thank the people of Kasipul for demonstrating to us that young people can represent them in Parliament. This is very encouraging and should be embraced in other parts of the country,” Dr Gogo said.
