Boyd Were clinches ODM ticket for Kasipul by-election

Supporters of Boyd Were celebrating after he was declared winner of the Kasipul primaries, September 24, 2025. /GLADYS WANGA/X

The late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were’s son, Boyd Were, has won the ODM ticket to contest the November 27 by-election.

Boyd, 27, a Master’s degree student in commerce, beat four other aspirants — Newton Onyango Ogada, Ajo Mbuta (also known as George Otieno), Adel Ottoman and Daniel Okindo Majiwa — to secure the party’s ticket.

Boyd won the Kasipul ODM party primaries after garnering 18,210 votes. Returning officer Felix Ngala announced the results, noting the election was peaceful.

The seat fell vacant following the tragic killing of Ong’ondo Were on April 4, 2025.

The MP was trailed as he left Parliament and shot dead near City Mortuary by a lone gunman while waiting at a red light.

Boyd, who has vowed to continue his father’s development agenda, enjoyed strong backing from youthful party supporters.

News of his victory sparked celebrations in Kasipul, with ODM supporters breaking into song and dance.

ODM national chairperson, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga confirmed the election results, and congratulated Boyd.

“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," she said on X.

"This is the time for unity. I urge all leaders and supporters to back Boyd fully as we now focus on the greater task of winning the by-election and bringing transformative development to Kasipul,” she said.

But the primaries were not without drama.

Scenes of violence, allegations of rigging, low voter turnout, and delays marred the ODM party primaries in Kasipul as Raila Odinga-led party struggled to unshackle itself from a history of chaotic nominations and organise a smooth exercise.

Vehicles belonging to several aspirants were vandalised allegedly by goons.

More than 10 candidates from other political parties and independents are expected to battle it out in the November polls.

Among them are candidates from the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) and UDA.

The race for the ODM ticket was a battle between Governor Wanga, who supports Boyd against Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and his Sister Wenwa Odinga who have thrown their weight behind Ogada.