The ODM primaries in Kasipul constituency ended in controversy after Boyd Were, son of the late MP Ong’ondo Were, was declared winner with 18,210 votes. His closest rival Newton Ogada trailed far behind with 3,037 votes, while Dan Okindo managed only 621.
The exercise was marred by violence from the morning hours. Groups of youths stormed polling stations and chaos spread quickly. Vehicles linked to Were’s supporters were damaged and ballot papers were abandoned in some places. ODM officials accused Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga of sponsoring the disruptions but he denied the claims.
Two days earlier Were’s camp had already warned of a plan to disrupt the vote. They alleged that gangs were being mobilized to interfere with the primaries. Despite the visible disorder, returning officer Felix Ngala declared the polls peaceful, leaving many questioning the credibility of the process.
Later that evening a video emerged online that appeared to show pupils taking part in the election. The short clip showed children lining up, receiving pre-marked papers and casting them in favor of Were. Local activist Nyakwar Kibuogi shared the video on social media, claiming underage pupils were being used to boost the tally.
The clip sparked outrage with many accusing ODM of running a fraudulent process. The party has not officially commented on the matter but sources say an internal probe could be launched. Independent observers have not yet confirmed if the footage is genuine.
Defeated aspirants Ogada and Okindo pointed to the video as proof of what they called a stolen mandate. They also accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of tilting the process in Were’s favor. Earlier protests had already highlighted complaints about a secretive voter register and poor organization.
Were, who presents himself as a young Gen Z candidate offering fresh leadership, dismissed the criticism. He said the claims were excuses by losers and promised to unite the constituency ahead of the November by-election.
The chaotic scenes have added pressure on ODM as civil groups demand the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to review the results. If the underage voting claims are proven true, Were’s nomination could be overturned. For now his victory remains contested, and the party’s reputation faces a serious test in Nyanza.
Link to video
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19zXuRpqqM/
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