The son of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, Boyd Were, has secured the ODM nomination to run in the November 27 by-election.
Boyd, 27, a Master’s student in commerce, triumphed over four rivals — Newton Onyango Ogada, Ajo Mbuta (George Otieno), Adel Ottoman, and Daniel Okindo Majiwa — to clinch the party ticket.
He emerged victorious in the Kasipul ODM primaries after garnering 18,210 votes. Announcing the outcome, returning officer Felix Ngala said the exercise was conducted peacefully.
The parliamentary seat became vacant following the brutal killing of Ong’ondo Were on April 4, 2025.
The legislator was trailed after leaving Parliament and fatally shot by a lone assailant near City Mortuary as he waited at a traffic light.
Boyd, who has pledged to advance his father’s development plans, drew overwhelming support from young party loyalists.
News of his victory sparked jubilations in Kasipul, with ODM supporters breaking into dance and song.
ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga confirmed the results and applauded Boyd.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Boyd Were for his win in the ODM primaries. The people of Kasipul have spoken clearly, choosing a candidate they believe will safeguard their interests,” she posted on X.
“This is a moment for unity. I call upon all leaders and supporters to rally behind Boyd as we now focus on the bigger mission of winning the by-election and delivering meaningful progress to Kasipul,” she added.
However, the nomination process was not without controversy.
Incidents of violence, accusations of malpractice, low turnout, and delays tainted the ODM primaries in Kasipul, as the Raila Odinga-led party struggled to shake off its reputation for chaotic nominations and conduct a seamless poll.
Vehicles belonging to some aspirants were allegedly destroyed by hired thugs.
Over 10 contenders from other parties and independent candidates are expected to vie in the November by-election, including nominees from Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) and UDA.
The tussle for the ODM ticket also exposed divisions within the party, with Governor Wanga backing Boyd, while Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and his sister Wenwa Odinga threw their weight behind Ogada.
