Candidates protest ODM bias in by-elections in Ugunja, Kasipul constituencies

Candidates seeking the Orange Democratic Movement nomination for the by-elections in Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies have questioned party’s plans, saying top party officials are routing for preferred candidates. The aspirants questioned why party officials have endorsed certain candidates. The aspirants on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, told ODM National Election Board Chairperson Emily Awita to stop campaigning for one candidate, calling the practice "unfair". In Kasipul Constituency, George Otieno, Okindo Majiwa, Ottoman Adele, Boyd Were and Newton Ogada—are seeking the ODM ticket for the November 27 by-election. The seat was vacated following the death of area lawmaker Charles Ong’ondo in April. Boyd Were is son of the late MP. In Ugunja, Fredrick Owino, Moses Omondi and Joseph Alur are seeking to replace Opiyo Wandayi, who was appointed a minister in President William Ruto’s broad-based government. The candidates have settled on secret ballot as the preferred method for conducting the primaries scheduled between September 24 and 27.