ODM has assured politicians eyeing the Kasipul parliamentary by-election of credible nominations.

National chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party will be impartial when picking a candidate as it seeks to retain the seat.

The seat was left vacant following the fatal shooting of the rea MP Ong’ondo Were on April 30, 2025 in Nairobi.

Wanga allayed fears that the party will handpick Were’s successor.

Even though National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is yet to declare the seat vacant, succession politics have begun in earnest.

Wanga told ODM members that the party will uphold its constitutional principle in identifying a candidate.

 “The party will leave the field open for all interested aspirants to square it out at the ballot. I can assure you that no one will be favoured,” she said.

The  Homa Bay governor dismissed claims that she has a preferred candidate for the seat, saying she will campaign for the ODM candidate after nominations.

“My role as governor is to move around the county inspecting projects. Those with the notion that I am already campaigning for a particular politician to take over the seat are wrong,” Wanga said.

Wanga at the same time called for sobriety in the area, as she appealed to Kasipul residents to embrace peace.

“All politicians eyeing the seat will be given a platform to campaign. We expect them to compete on policies and not violence,” she said during a meeting with Kasipul Traders Association, a group bringing together 4,300 women and youth traders.

Those who have declared interest in the seat include the late MP’s son Boyd Were.