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ODM moves to assure fairness in Kasipul as Wanga promises free and fair process
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at a past event.
What you need to know:
- Governor Wanga emphasised that politics should not lead to suffering or violence.
- “Let aspirants compete on policies, not violence. No one should shed blood over political differences,” she said.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced that it will not favour any candidate in the upcoming Kasipul Constituency by-election.
The party’s national chairperson, Gladys Wanga, said all aspirants, especially those seeking the ODM ticket, will be given a fair chance to campaign for support from the electorate.
The Kasipul seat fell vacant after the former Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, was killed earlier this month.
The slain legislator, who was serving his second term, had planned to defend the seat in the 2027 General Election.
He had already drawn several challengers, but with no firm confirmations yet, as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is yet to declare the seat vacant.
The country currently also lacks an electoral commission and is in the process of forming a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). However, this has not stopped politicians from early campaigns.
Many are expected to run on the ODM ticket due to the party’s dominance in the region and its strong support base.
Ms Wanga said ODM has clear procedures for awarding nomination certificates, and the same rules will apply in the by-election.
She told party members that the selection of the ODM candidate will follow the party’s constitution and legal processes.
“When I move around, I’m doing my job as ODM’s national chairperson, not campaigning,” she said, responding to claims that she is backing a specific candidate.
Governor Wanga said she will continue inspecting development projects across the county despite the upcoming by-election.
“It’s unrealistic to avoid Kasipul just because of a looming election. My work involves visiting all areas of the county,” she said.
However, she added that she will join the campaign once the ODM candidate is officially selected.
“Once the party picks a candidate, I’ll campaign for them. Other ODM leaders, including MCAs and MPs, will also support the candidate,” she said.
Wanga spoke in Kasipul on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Kasipul Traders Association, which represents 4,300 women and youth traders. The visit aimed to support their resource mobilization, improve credit access, and strengthen table banking initiatives.
She urged politicians and supporters to remain peaceful following Mr Were’s death.
“Many will show interest in the seat, but I call on their supporters to be tolerant,” she said.
“The seat will be declared vacant, and IEBC will set a by-election date. Candidates will be given time to campaign,” she added.
Governor Wanga emphasised that politics should not lead to suffering or violence.
“Let aspirants compete on policies, not violence. No one should shed blood over political differences,” she said.