ODM youth endorse Boyd Were to carry father's legacy in Kasipul by-election

ODM Youth League address the media after holding National Executive Council Meeting in Nairobi/HANDOUT

ODM Youth League has thrown its weight behind Boyd Were, son of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, urging the party to consider giving him party ticket in the upcoming by-election.

Speaking after the League’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Youth League President John Ketora called on ODM to prioritise the family of the slain MP to maintain continuity in leadership and development in Kasipul Constituency.

“Ong’ondo Were was assassinated by people who didn’t want him on the seat. When the time comes, the family should nominate somebody to carry on with the legacy,” Ketora said, vowing that the youth wing would mobilise support to ensure the family retains the seat.

The NEC meeting, which focused on youth matters and future leadership within ODM, also praised the party leadership for nominating Ketora himself to the National Assembly.

“As the current sitting ODM Youth League President, his nomination is a clear sign that the party believes in the strength, ability, and voice of young people,” the council’s statement read.

The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the assassination of Were on April 30, 2025.

The tragic incident sent shockwaves across Homa Bay County and the political landscape at large.

Despite the Youth League’s clear stance, ODM’s national leadership maintains a neutral position. The party has stated it has no preferred candidate for the upcoming by-election.

ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga addressed concerns that the party might handpick Were’s successor, assuring the public that the selection process would be transparent and democratic.

Meanwhile, a number of ODM MPs have urged party leader Raila Odinga to endorse a family member of the late MP to carry forward the work he had started in Kasipul.

These calls intensified during the burial service of the late Charles Ong’ondo Were on May 9, 2025.

Leading the push was Kipkelion West MP Hilary Nyiganet Arap Kosgei, who suggested that Were’s assassination might have been politically motivated.

“It is important for Raila to endorse one of Were’s children or family members to ensure the continuity of development and unity in Kasipul,” Nyiganet said, adding that such endorsement could quell the brewing political tensions in the area.