The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned acts of violence and disruption that delayed the start of its party primaries in Kasipul Constituency on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, where members are set to nominate a candidate for the November 27 by-election.
According to a statement issued by ODM’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson, Emily Awitta, the exercise was disrupted after aspirant Newton Ogada allegedly stormed the election materials distribution centre accompanied by goons.
The group is said to have threatened the Returning Officer and other election officials, stalling preparations.
“It has come to the attention of the party that the nomination exercise to elect the party candidate for the Kasipul Constituency in the November 27 by-election has not kicked off as scheduled. This has been occasioned by the violent invasion of the election materials’ distribution centre by one of the aspirants, a Mr. Newton Ogada who is alleged to have arrived with goons and started threatening the Returning Officer and other officials,” ODM stated.
The situation was further complicated by the arrival of Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the contest. ODM said his presence contributed to unnecessary delays in an exercise that was scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.
The party described the disruption as “barbaric and egregious,” noting that all aspirants had previously committed to peaceful conduct during a meeting in Nairobi last week.
“The process was further delayed by arrival of the Deputy Governor of Homabay County Hon. Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the primaries. This unnecessary disruption has caused the delay in the exercise which was supposed to kick-off at 8:00am. This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious considering the commitment that the aspirants participating in the nomination exercise agreed to adhere to during a meeting held in Nairobi last Tuesday (16/09/2025),” the statement read.
ODM has now issued a stern warning to candidates against engaging in acts of violence, intimidation of election officials, or any conduct aimed at undermining the nomination process. The party said offenders risk facing disciplinary action, including possible disqualification from the primaries.
“We expect calmness, friendliness, and sobriety during the exercise, and this should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bend to disrupt the exercise, issue threats to election officials, and cause unnecessary delays that stern disciplinary action will be taken against them, including being disqualified from the exercise,” ODM stated.
Despite the chaos, ODM assured its members and supporters in Kasipul that it remains committed to ensuring the nominations proceed peacefully and are concluded before the 5:00 p.m. deadline.
The by-election in Kasipul is set for November 27 following the seat’s declaration of vacancy after the then MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated.
