A digital influencer’s foray into grassroots politics has culminated in a significant victory in Kasipul, where Boyd Were, 27, clinched the parliamentary seat left vacant by his father's tragic death. Were, running on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, secured a commanding 16,819 votes, more than double his closest competitor. The win underscores a growing trend in Kenyan politics: the potent, and often decisive, influence of social media personalities in shaping voter opinion.

The by-election, held on November 27, 2025, was necessitated by the assassination of the area's former MP, Charles Ong'ondo Were, in April 2025. His son, Boyd Were, a finance professional with a master's degree and experience at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), stepped into the political arena vowing to continue his father's legacy. His campaign received a high-profile boost from political commentator and content creator Kevin Odhiambo, popularly known as Cassypool.

From Digital Screens to Campaign Rallies

Cassypool, a controversial figure known for his online commentary and political mobilization, publicly threw his weight behind Were, citing a commitment to backing winners. "I don't support failures, nor do I rotate with failures. That's why you saw me support Boyd Were, and he became the Member of Parliament," Cassypool stated on Monday, December 1, 2025. His endorsement was not just a passive mention but an active campaign, signaling a strategic shift where online influence is directly leveraged on the ground.

The Kasipul race was fiercely contested, with ten candidates vying for the seat. Were's main challenger, independent candidate Philip Nashon Aroko, garnered 8,476 votes. The results, announced by Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku, confirmed a landslide victory for the ODM candidate, a win celebrated by the party as proof of its continued dominance in the region.

A New Generation of Politics

This by-election serves as a critical case study on the evolving nature of Kenyan political campaigns. Analysts note that the "commodification" of influence, where digital entrepreneurs monetize their social networks for political ends, is becoming mainstream. Cassypool's involvement highlights how a well-known online personality can amplify a candidate's message, particularly to younger voters who are increasingly disengaged from traditional media.

For the people of Kasipul, the outcome is deeply personal. They have elected the son of their slain leader, a young professional who promises to blend technical expertise with a commitment to his father's vision. Speaking after his victory, Boyd Were thanked the electorate and promised to continue the development agenda his father initiated.

• **Winner:** Boyd Were (ODM) - 16,819 votes
• **Runner-up:** Philip Nashon Aroko (Independent) - 8,476 votes
• **Third Place:** Collins Omondi Okeyo (MDG) - 4,796 votes
• **Voter Turnout:** 40.4% (31,323 voters out of 67,513 registered)

As Boyd Were prepares to be sworn into Parliament, his victory sends a dual message. It reaffirms the strength of dynastic politics and party loyalty in the region, while simultaneously heralding the undeniable arrival of social media influencers as the new kingmakers in Kenya's vibrant democracy.