Homa Bay Deputy Governor Eyes Kasipul Seat Amid Political Turmoil
Fresh details reveal that Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga is planning to resign and contest the Kasipul parliamentary seat, left vacant after the assassination of ODM MP Charles Were.
Were, serving his second term, was shot in the head in Nairobi on April 30, 2025. The murder investigation led to the arrest of several individuals, including Phillip Aroko, an aspiring candidate linked to the case.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) named Aroko as a person of interest, and he was released on a Sh300,000 cash bail by JKIA Law Courts Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi. However, stringent bail conditions bar him from traveling to Homa Bay, severely limiting his campaign prospects.
Meanwhile, the late MP’s son, Boyd Were, has swiftly transitioned from mourning to politics, securing ODM’s endorsement to succeed his father. Despite his political inexperience, Boyd has shown early promise, though critics highlight his lack of a permanent residence in the constituency—he currently lives in a modest simba (a small house).
ODM has firmly declared its intent to retain the seat within the Were family. “If you targeted this seat, wait until 2027. It will go to Were’s widow or sons,” said Evans Ndege, ODM chairman for Kasipul. However, Boyd’s candidacy has reportedly caused friction within the family, with his stepmother opposing his bid.
Aroko’s Dilemma and Magwanga’s Gambit
Aroko, an ODM member previously involved in grassroots elections, now finds himself locked out of the party due to the murder allegations. His supporters fear the legal restrictions will cripple his campaign.
Deputy Governor Magwanga, pressured by allies, is considering a return to Kasipul politics. His supporters argue that he has been sidelined by Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration and would be more effective as an MP. Magwanga, a former Kasipul MP (2007–2017), is no stranger to tough races—his 2017 gubernatorial bid against Cyprian Awiti ended in a protracted legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.
Though he eventually accepted the deputy governor role in 2022 as part of a deal brokered by Raila Odinga, insiders claim Magwanga has been frustrated in the position. His supporters believe he can win the by-election—with or without ODM’s backing.
The Shadow of UDA and Omollo’s Influence
The by-election is shaping up as a proxy battle between Raila and Interior PS Raymond Omollo, who is seen as undermining Raila’s influence in Nyanza. While Raila backs ODM’s candidate (likely Boyd Were), Omollo is expected to support a UDA-aligned contender—though the party may opt for a discreet endorsement to avoid open confrontation in ODM strongholds.
Omollo’s growing clout has drawn comparisons to Hezekiah Oyugi, the powerful Internal Security PS under President Moi, who was linked to the 1990 murder of Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Ouko. Omollo has dismissed such parallels, but critics accuse him of using empowerment programs for widows and youth as a cover to erode Raila’s base.
Tensions flared recently when rival factions of the Luo Council of Elders—one backed by Raila, the other by Omollo—clashed over leadership. The feud mirrors broader political realignments, with Omollo seen as advancing President Ruto’s interests in Luo Nyanza.
Murder Investigations and Political Fallout
The arrest of Ebel Ochieng, a Lake Basin Development Authority board member and Omollo ally, added a dramatic twist to Were’s murder case. Detectives recovered a pistol linked to the killing, but Raila insists the “real killer” remains at large.
Prosecutors allege Aroko financed the assassination, citing financial trails and organized meetings in Homabay, Nairobi, and Nakuru. Yet, Raila’s camp suspects a deeper conspiracy, with some accusing Omollo of involvement—a claim his supporters dismiss as politically motivated.
At Were’s funeral, an unidentified mourner accused Omollo of complicity in a viral video, fueling speculation. Governor Wanga and ODM leaders issued thinly veiled warnings, prompting President Ruto to avoid the event to prevent a diplomatic incident.
With Madaraka Day celebrations scheduled for June 1 in Homabay, Ruto faces a dilemma: how to navigate a hostile environment while ensuring security. Meanwhile, the DCI maintains that forensic evidence will resolve the case, but political tensions continue to overshadow the investigation.
Conclusion: A Battle for Luo Supremacy
The Kasipul by-election has become a microcosm of the struggle between Raila and Omollo for control of Luo politics. As Raila demands justice for Were, Omollo’s allies warn of a plot to oust him from office—just as Oyugi fell from grace after the Ouko murder.
With accusations, counter-accusations, and high-stakes maneuvering, the stage is set for a fierce political showdown.
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