The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) primaries in Kasipul Constituency were on Thursday marred by chaos, viral videos of underage voting, and violent clashes among rival camps.
Despite the unrest, Boyd Were, son of slain former MP Ong’ondo Were, emerged victorious and clinched the party ticket.
The exercise, held across various polling centres in Kasipul, quickly descended into disorder after complaints surfaced over irregularities.
Videos that circulated widely on social media showed children queuing and casting ballots, prompting outrage from voters and civil society groups who questioned the credibility of the process.
Tensions escalated when rival supporters clashed outside Kasipul Boys Secondary School, one of the main tallying centres.
Several people sustained injuries and vehicles were damaged before police intervened to restore order.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as officers lobbed teargas to disperse rowdy crowds attempting to storm the tallying hall.
Despite the confrontations, ODM’s electoral board declared Boyd Were the winner, hailing his candidacy as a continuation of his late father’s legacy.
Were, addressing jubilant supporters, promised to prioritise development, inclusivity, and unity in the constituency.
“I will honour my father’s memory by serving the people of Kasipul with integrity and dedication,” he stated.
Observers, however, raised concerns about the transparency of the exercise. Election monitoring groups have called on ODM to investigate the incidents of underage voting and violence to safeguard the credibility of its nominations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kasipul remains a politically sensitive constituency with a history of hotly contested primaries.
While Were’s win cements his place as ODM’s flag bearer, the chaos surrounding the vote has left many demanding reforms in how internal party polls are conducted.
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