The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League has officially endorsed Boyd Were, son of the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, to vie for the vacant parliamentary seat in the upcoming Kasipul by-election. The endorsement came after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held by the Youth League, where members emphasized the importance of preserving the late MP’s legacy through his family.
Speaking at the NEC meeting, ODM Youth League President John Ketora stated that the late Ong’ondo Were was a victim of political violence and called on the party to prioritize his family in selecting a candidate.
“Ong’ondo Were was assassinated by people who didn’t want him in that seat. When the time comes, the family should nominate somebody to carry on with the legacy,” Ketora declared. He also pledged that the youth wing would mobilize support to ensure the Were family retains the seat and continues with the development agenda set by the late MP.
The Kasipul seat became vacant following the tragic assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were on April 30, 2025 a loss that sent shockwaves across Homa Bay County and the national political scene. During his tenure, Were was known for his commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots development.
While the ODM Youth League has taken a firm stance, the party’s national leadership has maintained a neutral position. ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga reassured the public that the party’s candidate selection process would be open, transparent, and democratic, with no pre-determined candidate.
However, growing voices within the party, including several ODM MPs, have urged party leader Raila Odinga to consider endorsing a member of the late MP’s family. These sentiments were echoed during Were’s burial on May 9, with Kipkelion West MP Hilary Nyiganet Arap Kosgei suggesting that such an endorsement could ease tensions and uphold the constituency’s unity.
As the by-election nears, ODM faces the task of balancing internal democracy with calls for legacy preservation, while ensuring that the people of Kasipul get a leader capable of continuing the late MP’s vision.
