The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has pledged a transparent and fair nomination process for the upcoming by-election in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, following the assassination of area MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Were, a staunch ODM loyalist, was gunned down in Nairobi on April 30, 2025, in a chilling attack that has rocked the political establishment. The killing, believed by some to be politically motivated, has cast a shadow over the anticipated succession battle in one of ODM’s strongholds.
Speaking in Oyugis town on Monday, ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga assured party supporters that no candidate will be favoured in the selection process. “Party members in Kasipul can decide who they want. Whoever is nominated, we shall support,” Wanga said.
She dismissed fears that the party would issue a direct ticket, a practice that has previously caused rifts within ODM and led to defections to rival parties. “As ODM, we will have nominations to pick a candidate who will fly our party’s flag. Everyone will have a chance to speak to the people,” she added.
The party’s promise of neutrality comes amid heightened political tension in the region. Were was killed in a suspected assassination near the City Mortuary roundabout as he returned from parliamentary duties. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had been trailed from Nairobi’s CBD by a motorbike rider, who later confessed to being paid Sh50,000 to carry the assassin.
In a chilling development, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga also survived an attempted attack on May 11. His convoy was ambushed in Kabuor village, but he had fortunately switched vehicles after receiving intelligence of a plot on his life.
With the motive behind Were’s killing still under investigation, Wanga urged Kasipul residents to uphold peace. “Let us compete through ideas, not weapons,” she pleaded.
As the constituency awaits the formal declaration of the seat’s vacancy and the by-election date by IEBC, all eyes remain on ODM’s handling of the nomination process in a region where loyalty to the party runs deep.
