Former Migori governor Okoth Obado endorses Philip Aroko in Kasipul
By Luke Oluoch, November 23, 2025The independent candidate in the Kasipul parliamentary race, Philip Aroko, earned yet another endorsement ahead of the upcoming by-election in the constituency.
The flamboyant businessman on Saturday, November 23, 2025, welcomed former Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado to his camp.
In his speech, the former governor, turned UDA ally, termed the upcoming by-election a chance to liberate the community.
Obado, who served as the first county governor of Migori, declared that the era of leaders being endorsed through political kingpins must end.
Liberate people
“I am here as a concerned neighbour. I want to tell you that it is time we liberated our people. The times of leaders being proffered through kingships must come to an end,” he stated.
“Kenya is a democratic state. The time is right; we have to liberate our community and give these young people an equal chance in leadership,” he concluded.
Obado’s endorsement provides a fresh twist and intrigue to the race, barely less than a week away.
His support came fast after Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga openly declared support for Aroko on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Magwanga, who had stayed away from public events in recent weeks, resurfaced and met residents on Friday.
During the gathering, he urged the people of Kasipul to make their own decision without pressure from leaders outside the constituency. He argued that external influence has previously caused unrest in the area.
He told the crowd that the constituency has always been capable of choosing its leaders, adding that outsiders often escalate tension and disrupt peace. His remarks received loud approval, with many residents cheering and nodding as he spoke about past incidents of violence linked to political contests.
Magwanga’s endorsement has sparked debate because he serves as Governor Gladys Wanga’s deputy and was elected on an ODM ticket. His decision places him at odds with the party’s preferred candidate and exposes internal disagreements over the nomination process.
The by-election has attracted 10 candidates, with Aroko and Boyd Were, the son of the late MP Ongond’o Were, as the frontrunners.