ODM Blames Gladys Wanga’s Deputy Over Kasipul Chaos

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has blamed Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, who is also Governor Gladys Wanga’s deputy, for the chaos and delays in the Kasipul party primaries.

In a statement dated Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the party stated that the nomination exercise to elect its candidate for the Kasipul Constituency in the November 27 by-election failed to commence as scheduled, citing interference by individuals such as Magwanga.

ODM alleged that the exercise was first disrupted by aspirant Newton Ogada, who is accused of storming the election materials distribution centre with goons and threatening the Returning Officer and other officials.

ODM Blames Magwanga for Kasipul Chaos

The party added that the process was further delayed by the arrival of Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the primaries, but showed up at the polling station and disrupted proceedings.

“The process was further delayed by the arrival of the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County Hon. Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the primaries. This unnecessary disruption caused delays in the exercise, which was supposed to start at 8:00 a.m.,” the statement read.

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ODM described the incident as both “barbaric” and “egregious,” pointing out that aspirants had agreed to conduct themselves peacefully during a meeting held in Nairobi on September 16, 2025.

Party to Take Action Against Aspirants Interfering with Voting Exercise

The party warned that serious disciplinary action, including disqualification, would be taken against any candidate found disrupting the process or issuing threats to election officials. It also urged aspirants to exercise calmness, friendliness, and sobriety during the exercise.

“We expect calmness, friendliness and sobriety during the exercise and this should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bend to disrupt the exercise, issue threats to election officials and cause unnecessary delays that stern disciplinary action will be taken against them including being disqualified from the exercise,” ODM stated.

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At the same time, ODM assured its members and supporters in Kasipul Constituency that it would do everything possible to ensure the primaries are conducted peacefully and concluded by 5:00 p.m.

The Kasipul primaries come four months after the death of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was assassinated on April 30, 2025, near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.

Kasipul, considered an ODM stronghold, has attracted several aspirants seeking to succeed the late MP. Among them are Boyd Were, who has received huge backing from senior party leaders, Philip Aroko, Newton Ogada, Adel Ottoman, Okindo Majiwa, and George Otieno.

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