Boyd Were has been declared the new Member of Parliament for Kasipul, securing the seat once held by his late father in a keenly watched contest. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate garnered 16,819 votes to win the election held on Thursday, November 27.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of former MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, who was assassinated in Nairobi on April 30, 2025. His son's victory ensures the seat remains within the family and firmly in the grip of the ODM party.

Kasipul Constituency Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku announced the official results in the early hours of Friday morning, declaring Were the victor. His closest challenger, independent candidate Philip Aroko, came in a distant second with 8,476 votes. A total of ten candidates contested the seat, which saw voting take place across 142 polling stations.

A Fiercely Contested Race

The run-up to the election was marked by intense campaigns and high political stakes, seen by analysts as a test of ODM's influence in the region. The race was primarily viewed as a two-horse race between Were and Aroko, whose spirited campaign as an independent posed a significant challenge. Tensions occasionally flared, prompting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to fine both leading candidates KSh 1 million each for campaign-related violence.

The final results from the five wards are as follows:

• Boyd Were (ODM): 16,819
• Philip Aroko (Independent): 8,476
• Robert Riga 'Money Bior' (Independent): Runner-up position after Aroko

In his victory speech, Were thanked the voters of Kasipul for their confidence in him and pledged to continue his father's development agenda. The win was celebrated by senior ODM figures, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who had publicly endorsed Were.

All eyes are now on the new MP to unite the constituency and deliver on his campaign promises for the people of Kasipul.