By Anderson Ojwang
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) maintained its grip in its strongholds of Nyanza and the Coast, reclaiming three parliamentary seats—Kasipul, Ugunja, and Magarini—in Thursday’s by-elections, the first major political test in the post-Raila Odinga era.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga calmed internal storms within the party and humbled her opponents with a sweeping victory that left rivals stunned and disoriented. For Wanga, the wins in the parliamentary and civic by-elections were a cold, calculated revenge against adversaries both inside and outside the party who had attempted to undermine her political influence.
In Kasipul Constituency, Wanga—who is also the Homa Bay Governor—tightened her grip on the region and handed her opponents, including her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, a decisive blow. Ahead of the by-election, Magwanga had joined forces with former governors Dr. Evans Kidero and Okoth Obado, as well as UDA activist Odoyo Owidi, in a bid to defeat Wanga’s camp.
ODM candidate Boyd Were ultimately triumphed over independent candidate Philip Aroko, who was backed by the anti-Wanga coalition.
According to the IEBC’s X handle, “The Kasipul Constituency by-election Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku declared Boyd Were of ODM the duly elected Member of the National Assembly after garnering 16,819 votes. Philip Nashon Aroko, an independent candidate, finished second with 8,475 votes. A total of 10 candidates had been cleared to contest in Kasipul.”
Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, speaking at Agoro Sare after being attacked by goons, said: “Do not respond and attack them. Aroko has just lost this election.”
For Kaluma, the confrontation symbolized the struggle and sacrifice that ultimately delivered victory and forced their opponents back to the drawing board ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi wrote on his X platform: “Congratulations to Governor Gladys Wanga. You have confirmed to us that you are a true and reliable political partner.”
Wanga posted: “We witnessed the official announcement of the Kasipul Constituency parliamentary by-election results at Agoro Sare and celebrated the victory of our ODM candidate, Boyd Were. Congratulations on your win. Your determination and clear messaging led to this achievement, and you truly deserve it. Now it’s time to get to work for the people of Kasipul and all Kenyans.”
The victory is also symbolic for Wanga as it honours the memory of her slain ally and former MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
ODM wrote on its X handle: “Congratulations to all our winners today—Hon. Boyd Were, Moses Omondi, Harry Kombe, and our MCA for Nanam Ward in Turkana West Constituency. We are proud of you.”
Recently confirmed as the ODM National Chairperson, Wanga—who supports the broad-based political arrangement with President William Ruto—has used these victories to send a clear signal to opponents within the party who oppose the collaboration.
Wanga leads the pro–broad-based team alongside Oburu Odinga, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, Sam Atandi, and Junet Mohammed. Their triumphs amount to a raw plate of revenge served to the anti-broad-based faction led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who left Wanga to campaign alone.
However, Sifuna later posted: “Congratulations to the ODM team that delivered wins for Boyd Were in Kasipul, Moses Omondi in Ugunja, Harry Kombe in Magarini, and the MCA seat in Nanam Ward in Turkana West. Well done!”
For President Ruto, Wanga has now proven her ability to deliver votes, positioning herself as a dependable ally ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. She is likely to become one of the key pillars of his campaign team should the broad-based arrangement hold.
The results also highlight that in the post-Raila Odinga political landscape, ODM’s grassroots loyalty remains intact despite Raila’s recent demise in India in October.
The victories provide a much-needed morale boost to the new party leader, Oburu Odinga, signaling acceptance from the party base as he steps into a role previously held by his younger brother.
Oburu wrote: “Congratulations to our ODM candidates Moses Omondi, Boyd Were, and Harrison Kombe for your well-deserved by-election victories. Your wins show the trust and confidence the people have placed in your leadership and the party.”
Taking a brief break from the intense campaigns, he posted: “Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset.”
From the Kasipul by-election, the message to the UDA fraternity is clear: the broad-based arrangement is bigger than individual interests—and those who resist may be swept aside.
With Raila’s passing, Ruto is now poised to rely heavily on Wanga and Oburu to deliver the Nyanza vote, a fact underscored by these latest victories.
