Homabay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has thrown the Kasipul constituency by-election into a new political orbit after openly endorsing independent candidate Phillip Aroko, intensifying campaigns in a constituency long viewed as an ODM stronghold.
Speaking at one of Aroko’s campaigns on Friday, November 21, Magwanga, who is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), broke ranks with the party, snubbing ODM's Boyd Were, a move that injected new energy into the by-elections.
Magwanga declared that the people of Kasipul must be allowed to choose their next MP without what he described as external interference. He urged residents to reject pressure from outside actors and opt for leadership that reflects local will rather than party influence.
His remarks appeared to target ODM’s candidate, with the Deputy Governor linking past unrest in Kasipul to recurring leadership patterns that, according to him, have failed to stabilise the constituency.
The Deputy Governor questioned the party nominations that he said were marred with irregularities, with the party forcing Boyd to the people, a move that he said pushed Aroko to contest as an independent candidate.
“Those who voted in the party nominations were ferried from areas like Suba and Homabay. The people of Kasipul are entitled to vote. This is not a regional constituency where other people are allowed to come from other areas to vote,” Magwanga reiterated.
He further emphasised the need for electoral integrity, insisting that votes in the upcoming poll must be cast, protected, counted, and announced transparently. His call for accountability adds weight to the by-election discourse, placing pressure on both candidates and election officials to uphold fairness.
Magwanga was a member of parliament for Kasipul from 2007 to 2017, before being appointed the running mate of Gladys Wanga for the Homabay County gubernatorial race in 2022.
Kasipul by-election campaigns have witnessed intense confrontations with recent clashes between supporters resulting in loss of lives and properties, with both Boyd and Aroko pointing accusing fingers at each other for fueling disturbances.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fined the leading candidates KSh 1 million each for violating the electoral code of conduct. The commission further warned the candidates and made them sign an agreement to adhere to a harmonised campaign schedule and maintain peace.
“Non-adherence to the Code attracts serious penal consequences, including disqualification of candidates or parties found culpable. In this regard, the Commission has dispatched an investigation team with clear instructions to establish the facts and recommend appropriate action in line with the Electoral Code of Conduct and must be met with a firm and lawful response.” Read part of a statement by the IEBC released on November 7 2025.
Security organs have also assured residents that robust security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful election.
