Ogada raises concerns over rigging of Kasipul ODM nominations
Newton Ogada, an aspirant in the Kasipul ODM nominations, has expressed serious concerns about an alleged plot to rig the election in favour of his main opponent, Boyd Were.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Ogada claims to be aware of plans being pushed by a high-ranking county official and has threatened to reject the results if the process is not conducted freely and fairly.
You might also like
Also watch: ODM party aspirants claim bias in Kasipul primaries
The start of the voting exercise was delayed for several hours due to the late arrival of voting materials. Originally scheduled to begin at 8:00 am, many polling stations had still not received the necessary materials by 10:00 am.
“We urge the ODM party to conduct fair nominations for the Kasipul Parliamentary seat as we agreed. However, based on what I have observed over Tuesday and today (Wednesday), I am uncertain whether they are following the right procedures,” Ogada stated.
“The voting process should have commenced at 8:00 am, yet close to two hours later, some polling stations still lack voting materials. This situation is likely to create voter apathy among our supporters.”
Ogada also noted that they had mobilised supporters to arrive early to vote, but many elderly individuals and others who had taken time off work were already leaving after the delays.
“We want to inform the ODM party that if they fail to ensure transparent elections, we will confront them after the exercise, as no one is withdrawing from this race; this is merely a practice run.”
Ogada mentioned that if the exercise is not conducted transparently, he might consider seeking court intervention or supporting an opposing candidate for the November 27, 2027, general elections.
“We have the option of going to court, and there are other candidates running on different tickets. If ODM mishandles this process, we will meet during the campaigns,” he warned.
He alleged that the scheme to rig the election was well-coordinated and being executed under the influence of a top county official. “We want our people to exercise their democratic rights by having the chance to vote for their preferred candidate,” he added.
Ogada did mention that he would accept the results if his opponent wins fairly, but not otherwise.
ODM
In response, Emilly Awitta, Chairperson of the ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee, confirmed that there had indeed been a delay but blamed Ogada and Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Mgawanga for the disruption.
She alleged that Ogada had arrived at the election materials distribution centre with a group of individuals, threatening the returning officer and other officials, which further delayed the process.
“This unnecessary disruption has caused the delay in the exercise, which was supposed to start at 8:00 am,” she noted.
Also watch: ODM faces fresh wrangles ahead of Ugunja parliamentary primaries
“This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious, considering the commitment that candidates participating in the nomination exercise agreed to during a meeting held in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 16, 2025.”
Awitta stressed the expectation of calmness and professionalism during the exercise, warning candidates that any attempts to disrupt the process, threaten election officials, or cause unnecessary delays would result in disciplinary actions, including disqualification from the exercise.
However, she reassured their supporters in Kasipul that they would do everything possible to ensure the exercise proceeds smoothly before closing at 5:00 pm.
Ogada is competing against Boyd Were, the son of the late area MP Ong’ondo Were, along with Okindo Majiwa, George Otieno, and Adel Ottoman for the ODM ticket.
