The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has confirmed that its party primaries in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, failed to kick off on September 24, 2025, after violence and interference marred the process.
According to ODM’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) Chairperson Emily Awitta, the chaos was sparked when one of the aspirants allegedly stormed the election materials distribution centre accompanied by hired goons. The group reportedly threatened the Returning Officer and other officials, creating fear and disorder.
“This has been occasioned by the violent invasion of the election materials’ distribution centre by one of the aspirants who is alleged to have arrived with goons and started threatening the Returning Officer and other officials,” Awitta said in a statement.
ODM further disclosed that the arrival of a senior politician from Homa Bay, who was not even a candidate in the primaries, compounded the confusion and caused unnecessary delays. The nomination exercise had been scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., but by mid-morning, no polling had taken place.
The party condemned the disruptions, describing them as “barbaric and egregious,” especially since all aspirants had earlier signed a commitment to peaceful conduct during a meeting held in Nairobi on September 16, 2025.
“This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious, considering the commitment that the aspirants participating in the nomination exercise agreed to adhere to,” Awitta emphasized.
ODM has now warned that stern disciplinary measures will be taken against any aspirant found guilty of orchestrating the chaos, including possible disqualification from the race.
“This should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bent on disrupting the exercise… stern disciplinary action will be taken against them,” the party warned.
Despite the disruptions, ODM assured its members and supporters that efforts are underway to restore order and that the nomination exercise will be completed before the 5:00 p.m. deadline. The party also reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent primaries across the country.
