Former Royal Media Services journalist Ajo Mbuta Otieno has officially declared his bid to contest in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election slated for November 27, as announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The seat fell vacant following the tragic killing of MP Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi earlier this year.
Otieno, popularly known as Ajo, is no stranger to the constituency’s political scene. In the 2022 General Election, he vied for the same seat but lost narrowly to Ong’ondo, finishing second. Despite the setback, Ajo has maintained strong ties with his supporters, who have encouraged him to make another attempt.
“In the last elections when I ran with the late Ong’ondo Were, I came in second. They have so much hope in me. I want to thank the people of Kasipul for portraying their hope in me,” he said on Tuesday.
Ajo’s journey reflects resilience and determination. Born and raised in Kasipul, he began his education at Oyugis Primary School and Agore Sare Primary before joining Nyang’iela Mixed Secondary. However, financial challenges forced him to drop out in Form Two. He later enrolled at Kotieno Mixed Secondary but again failed to complete his studies. Determined to change his circumstances, he pursued computer studies and eventually enrolled in tertiary institutions to study media.
His persistence paid off in 2012 when, after three years of unsuccessful attempts, he secured a position at Ramogi FM under Royal Media Services. He began in the creatives department before transitioning into mainstream journalism. At Ramogi, he co-hosted a popular breakfast show alongside the late Ben Oluoch Okello, who later became Migori Senator before his passing in 2018. After a decade in the media, Ajo left journalism to focus on politics.
The Kasipul by-election has attracted a crowded field of aspirants. Among those expected to battle for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket are Newton Ogada, Robert Riaga, and Philip Aroko. The late MP’s son, Boyd Were, has also announced his intention to contest, stating that he wants to continue his father’s legacy. Calls from some ODM leaders for Boyd to be handed a direct ticket have further energized the political contest.
Meanwhile, the case surrounding the murder of Ong’ondo Were is still before the courts. As campaigns gather momentum, the Kasipul constituency faces a defining moment in choosing a successor to carry forward the late MP’s vision.
