TWV Team
As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) prepares for the forthcoming Kasipul by-election, a storm is quietly brewing within the party. Despite ODM’s dominance in Homa Bay County, only two aspirants, Boyd Were and Newton Ogada, have formally paid the nomination fees to contest on the party’s ticket, raising fresh concerns about the credibility of the nomination process.
Boyd Were, son of former MP Charles Were, paid the subsidised youth fee of Sh125,000, while businessman and philanthropist Newton Ogada paid the full Sh250,000 required for parliamentary aspirants. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had urged all interested candidates to register by Monday, 8th September, promising a transparent and structured process. Yet, with the deadline passing and only two contenders stepping forward, the party is grappling with an apparent lack of trust in its internal systems.
Several notable figures have chosen to bypass ODM nominations altogether, opting instead to run as independents. They include Money Mabior Riag, son of former Luo Council of Elders chairman Riaga Ogallo, alongside journalists Sam Owida, Ajo Mbuta, and Otieno Odhiamb. Businessman Philip Aroko and aspirant Sam Kotiende are also eyeing independent bids, while Victor Mbaka has reportedly dropped out of the race.
According to aspirants, the decision reflects fears of bias and political favouritism. “The reality is that most of us feared spending time and money on ODM nominations when it’s clear some top county leaders have already taken sides,” said journalist-turned-aspirant Sam Owida. Others echoed his concerns, noting that ODM’s primaries have historically been marred by allegations of rigging and manipulation.
Political analysts warn that if ODM fails to strengthen its internal democracy, the party risks eroding grassroots support. The Kasipul contest, they argue, is not just about filling a parliamentary seat but about rebuilding trust in ODM’s nomination system.
Interestingly, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has opted not to field a candidate, a move seen as strategic. Analysts suggest UDA is choosing to consolidate its alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, rather than engage in a symbolic contest in a constituency widely considered an ODM stronghold.
This leaves Boyd Were and Newton Ogada to battle for the ODM ticket, with Were banking on his legacy name and youth appeal, while Ogada relies on his philanthropic credentials. But beyond the contest itself, the greater challenge for ODM is restoring faith among its base.
The Kasipul by-election is shaping up to be more than a local race; it is a litmus test of ODM’s ability to deliver clean primaries and maintain unity in its political heartland.
