Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate for the Kasipul by-elections, Boyd Were, has won the seat, succeeding his late father, Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Boyd secured his victory by defeating his closest rival, Philip Aroko, who ran as an independent candidate. Aroko was closely followed by Robert Riga, also known as Money Bior, who ran on an independent ticket.
The Kasipul by-elections attracted seven other aspirants, including Collins Okeyo from the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), Sam Rateng Okoth from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Linda Aoko Ouma (Independent), Isaac Kiche Abok (Independent), Omondi Ko’yoo from the National Liberal Party (NLP), Jesse Okello (Independent), and Robert Ouko.
Boyd Were Emerges Victorious in the Kasipul by Elections
Voting took place across 142 polling stations within the constituency’s five wards, distributed as follows:
– Central Kasipul: 33 polling stations
– West Kamagak: 27 polling stations
– South Kasipul: 29 polling stations
– West Kasipul: 34 polling stations
– East Kamagak: 19 polling stations
Boyd Were’s victory is a significant win for the ODM party, which aimed to consolidate its popularity in the Luo Nyanza region following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had enjoyed immense support in the area in his entire political career. The election was hotly contested, with candidates engaging in intensive campaigns beforehand.
Also Read: Frontrunners and Political Battlegrounds to Watch Ahead of the November 27 By-Elections
Boyd Were received support from prominent ODM politicians, including ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, ODM chair Gladys Wanga, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who camped in Kasipul for several days to rally residents in support of Were. They stressed that a victory would serve as a fitting tribute to Raila Odinga’s legacy.
On the other hand, ODM faced stiff competition from independent candidate Philip Aroko, who garnered substantial backing within the constituency.
Events that Happened in the Run-Up to the By-Elections
Aroko received support from influential leaders such as Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, and several UDA leaders, despite ODM and UDA being part of a broad-based government during the campaign period.
The campaign trail was marked by violent incidents, which resulted in both Philip Aroko and Boyd Were being fined Ksh 1 million.
Their supporters clashed in one fatal incident, which led to two people being killed and others being injured. According to the IEBC, the violent confrontations were triggered by both candidates campaigning in the same area on a day not scheduled for their activities, in violation of the agreed-upon “harmonized campaign schedule.”
Also Read: Kasipul Constituency: Number of Voters, Main Parties, and Candidates
The intense contest continued on the election date, when Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was attacked by assailants at Agoro Sare Polling Station, resulting in the theft of his bodyguard’s firearm.
Kaluma, who was serving as the chief agent for Boyd Were, alleged that the attackers operated under Aroko’s instructions while police officers reportedly stood by.
The lawmaker suffered a soft-tissue injury to the head and later stated that he would not retaliate with violence, choosing instead to seek peaceful resolutions.
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