The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) primaries in Kasipul constituency were nothing short of a political thriller—marked by chaos, disruption, and heated confrontations. Yet, at the end of the storm, one name stood tall: Boyd Were, son of the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were.
Boyd secured the ODM party ticket to contest in the upcoming Kasipul by-election, cementing his place as the political heir to his father’s legacy.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was quick to congratulate the young aspirant, hailing his win as a “reflection of the will of the people.”
“I wish to congratulate Boyd Were wholeheartedly for his victory in the ODM party primaries. The people of Kasipul have spoken, and they have chosen a candidate they believe will champion their interests. This is the time for unity,” Wanga declared.
She further urged ODM leaders and supporters to rally behind Boyd, noting that the by-election would require collective effort and solidarity if the party was to maintain its grip on the constituency.
The journey to Boyd’s win was anything but smooth. According to ODM’s National Election Board (NEB) Chairperson Emily Awita, the primaries were violently disrupted when aspirant Newton Ogada allegedly stormed the election materials distribution centre with a gang of rowdy supporters.
Ogada is accused of threatening the Returning Officer and other officials, forcing a postponement of the exercise.
To make matters worse, the situation escalated further when Homa Bay Deputy Governor Douglas Orindo appeared at the venue “uninvited,” raising eyebrows and heightening tensions.
“This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious considering the commitment aspirants signed for during a meeting in Nairobi last week,” ODM stated in a strongly-worded press release.
The party described the disruptions as “deeply concerning” and warned that stern disciplinary action—including possible disqualification—awaits aspirants who engage in violence or intimidation.
For Boyd, the victory marks more than just a political milestone—it is a continuation of a family journey. His father, the late Ong’ondo Were, left an indelible mark on Kasipul politics before his untimely death. Now, Boyd steps into those shoes with the daunting task of winning the by-election and delivering development to a constituency still grappling with deep-seated socio-economic challenges.
ODM insiders believe Boyd’s candidacy could unify a constituency often divided by local rivalries. His clean slate and the family name, coupled with the endorsement from Governor Wanga, are expected to galvanize support.
As Kasipul prepares for a high-stakes by-election, ODM faces the task of healing internal rifts caused by the chaotic primaries. With tensions still simmering, the spotlight now turns to whether Boyd Were can convert his nomination victory into an electoral win at the ballot box.
One thing is certain: the Kasipul by-election has already shown it will be anything but ordinary.
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