Homa Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has openly endorsed independent candidate Phillip Aroko in the Kasipul by-election.
Magwanga announced support for Aroko on Friday, November 21, during one of Aroko’s campaigns in Kasipul.
The Homa Bay Deputy Governor urged Kasipul residents to reject pressure from outside actors and opt for leadership that reflects local will rather than party influence.
“I’ve always told you that the people of Kasipul have the capability of choosing their own leaders. Outsiders will always escalate unrest,” Magwanga said.
He also questioned the ODM party nominations, which he said were marred with irregularities.
The Homa Bay DG claimed that people were ferried from other areas to participate in the party primaries.
“Those who voted in the party nominations were ferried from areas like Suba and Homabay. The people of Kasipul are entitled to vote. This is not a regional constituency where other people are allowed to come from other areas to vote,” Mangwanga stated.
Aroko is set to face ODM’s Boyd Were in the by-election slated for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The Kasipul seat fell vacant following the death of MP Ong’ondo Were, who was killed by unknown gunmen on April 30 along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
This comes days after Aroko and Were were fined Ksh1 million each by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after being found responsible for violence that broke out during campaigns ahead of the constituency’s by-election.
“Philip Aroko, for the violation, is hereby condemned to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission within 48 hours of these orders.
“Boyd Were Ong’ondo is condemned similarly for the violation to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission within 48 hours of these orders,” IEBC stated.
Also Read: Kasipul Candidates Aroko and Were Fined KSh1 Million for Campaign Violence
