Following the conclusion of the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-election nationwide, Kasipul’s political players are now recovering from their setbacks while others are relishing their victories.
This victory makes him the youngest Member of Parliament in Kenya’s current Parliament. The people of Kasipul decided to retain the constituency’s leadership within the family of the late MP, Ong’ondo Were.
After his father’s death, Boyd emerged from relative obscurity to overcome substantial hurdles that involved navigating a tumultuous political climate in order to secure the seat.
His initial candidacy sparked controversy, with numerous people questioning the decision to nominate a relatively inexperienced young politician. But fierce critics quickly fell silent after he easily won the ODM nomination, having defeated several aspirants.
Those who are now left feeling embarrassed by the outcome are
Odoyo Owidi
The outspoken political commentator and fierce critic of Governor Gladys Wanga and Boyd Were, in particular, also ranks high among those perplexed by Were’s victory. The teacher spearheaded a vocal campaign against the young candidate’s nomination.
He repeatedly questioned ODM’s choice and famously stated during a podcast appearance that it is impossible for a 27-year-old to become Kasipul MP.
“He declared it would not occur.” His strong words and convictions have backfired, ultimately turning against him.
Oyugi Magwanga
Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga of Homa Bay made a last-minute gamble by openly defying the ODM party line to back independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Magwanga appears to have not put the past to rest with the Weres, given the ongoing rivalry stemming from his ousting by the late Charles Ong’ondo. His last-minute change of allegiance suggests everything.
The former Kasipul MP’s gamble backfired when Aroko lost, with his subsequent political move now being something that many are eager to observe. His close associates have already indicated he may run against her boss in the 2027 elections.
Recently, Governor Gladys Wanga cautioned that those unwilling to collaborate with her in the country’s best interests should leave, now placing Magwanga’s political future in jeopardy.
In contrast to Aroko, who deliberately chose not to contest in the ODM primaries for reasons unknown, Newton Ogada took the risk of going through the challenging selection process but ultimately decided to switch allegiance to Aroko.
Newton Ogada
In the course of friendly fire during the primary elections, he secured 3,037 votes, finishing a considerable distance behind Were, who garnered 18,210 votes.
Many within the Orange party were shocked by his decision to suddenly leave the party and support Aroko.
Boyd’s election has subsequently cast doubt on his political future, with the possibility that he could be a candidate for a high-paying position within the young MP’s new government.
The mini-polls in Kasipul had their own implications, just like any other by-election, and it remains to be seen how they will affect the future of the politicians involved.
