Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has urged residents of Kasipul Constituency to suspend all other activities and turn out in large numbers for Thursday’s November 27, 2025, by-election in the region.

Speaking on Monday, November 24, 2025, Wanga implored residents to resist the temptation of postponing their democratic duty, insisting that voting must be the very first item on everyone’s agenda on Thursday.

“We are waking up early in the morning to vote. Only afterwards can we attend to other matters, like going to the market. Let us first wake up and vote,” she said.

“I know we have already made up our minds. Let us not sleep on our votes. On Thursday, voting comes first. If you don’t vote for your candidate, then you will have voted for the other candidate,” she added.

Other Orange Democratic Movement politicians speaking at the function urged voters to cease all other activities, such as scheduling travel, drinking, or enjoying their conjugal rights. until they get their party’s candidate, Boyd Were elected as the next MP.

The governor put on notice individuals seeking to use violence and chaos to intimidate voters on the polling date.

She urged the security agencies to take up their role in maintaining law and order when they proceed to the polls

“There are people spreading rumours that there will be chaos on election day just to scare away voters, especially women. We want to remind the security agencies that you have a responsibility to maintain peace in Kasipul and to guarantee the safety of every resident as they come out to vote. It is your responsibility, and we are counting on you to ensure that every person casts their vote,” she added.

Wanga’s appeal comes with just four days to the decisive polls, where ODM seeks to retain its seat following the death of MP Ong’ondo Were.

The veteran party, however, faces a fierce test in its quest, with political alignments past the Raila Odinga era threatening to see the seat escape the party.

Philip Aroko, a businessman and independent candidate in the race, recently received the endorsement of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Wanga’s deputy Oyugi Magwanga, who supported the politician’s bid.

Aroko is regarded as the main challenger to Boyd Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).