Twenty-seven-year-old Boyd Ong’ondo Were, son of the late former Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, has been declared winner of Thursday’s parliamentary by-election in the western Kenya constituency, delivering a strong victory for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Returning officer Rebecca Abwaku announced the final results at the Oyugis tallying centre early Friday, stating that Were polled 16,819 votes – nearly twice the tally of his nearest rival.
Independent candidate Philip Nashon Aroko finished second with 8,476 votes, followed by Collins Omondi Okeyo of the Movement for Democracy and Growth who managed 4,796 votes. The other seven candidates shared less than 1,000 votes combined.
Credible poll, new MP declared
“The election was conducted in a credible manner. I therefore declare Boyd Ong’ondo Were as the Member of Parliament-elect for Kasipul Constituency,” Abwaku told journalists and party agents.
Message of unity from the winner
The youthful MP-elect immediately called for reconciliation after a tense campaign.
“I will serve every resident of Kasipul regardless of who they supported,” Were said. “I call on all my opponents to join hands with me so that we can develop this constituency together.”
Test for ODM after Raila Odinga death
The by-election was triggered by the death earlier this year of the sitting MP and was widely viewed as the first major test for ODM in its Luo Nyanza stronghold following the passing of long-time party leader Raila Odinga.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga described the outcome as evidence that the party remains the dominant force in the region.
“Some people thought ODM strength died with Baba. This victory shows the people still trust us,” Wanga said, adding that the new MP must now work to end the constituency’s history of election-related violence.
Youth leadership celebrated
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo welcomed the result as a vote of confidence in young leaders.
Were, who becomes one of the youngest legislators in parliament, takes office immediately and has pledged to focus on road infrastructure, education and healthcare in the largely rural constituency.
Voter turnout stood at just over 48%, lower than the 2022 general election but higher than many recent by-elections across Kenya. No major incidents were reported on polling day.
