Campaigns in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election have taken a new turn after Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga openly declared support for independent candidate Philip Aroko.

His move comes less than a week before voters head to the polls on Thursday, 27 November, raising fresh questions about unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the region.

Magwanga, who had stayed away from public events in recent weeks, resurfaced and met residents on Friday, 21 November. 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 own 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 used a popular saying, “a snakelet is a snake,” to suggest that some leadership problems have continued over the years. Critics have linked earlier episodes of chaos in Kasipul to the late MP’s time in office.

The deputy governor also pushed for accountability in the upcoming vote. He said every ballot must be cast, guarded, counted and announced clearly, so the winning candidate receives an undisputed mandate. He urged residents to support a leader who would not bring back instability.

“I’ve always told you that the people of Kasipul have the capability of choosing their own leaders. Outsiders will always escalate unrest,” Magwanga said.

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.

Rally behind Magwanga

Voices defending Magwanga argued that ODM failed him during the party primaries. Some residents claimed the process was unfair and designed to sideline him. They insisted that if the nomination had been transparent, Magwanga would have backed the ODM flagbearer.

A number of residents praised his stand, saying he had waited too long to make the move. They described him as a leader with integrity and said he had a right to support a candidate he considered suitable. Several speakers stressed that voters should not be instructed whom to support, adding that leadership should not depend on party loyalty alone.

Residents also said they want to choose a leader based on performance and character, not party affiliations. Some even suggested that Magwanga’s decision could strengthen his political position ahead of the 2027 elections, with a few predicting he could become governor if he faces impeachment over the move.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma strongly criticised Magwanga’s decision in a post on his Facebook account. He accused the deputy governor of extending past political grudges involving the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were. Kaluma claimed Magwanga fought the late legislator until his death and did not attend his funeral despite their shared roots in Kasipul.

“Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated in Nairobi – gunned down multiple times like hunters do to animals! He left a young family with young children. It is wrong to transfer the enmity you had for the late Charles Were to his family, to his children,” he posted.

He said it was wrong for Magwanga to transfer that enmity to the late MP’s family, warning that such actions hurt innocent children. Kaluma added that ODM candidate Boyd Were enjoys overwhelming support in the constituency and predicted he would win the by-election with a landslide.

Kasipul has faced rising violence ahead of the parliamentary by-election, prompting strong reactions from political leaders and authorities. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) condemned the attacks, expressing concern over incidents targeting their candidate, Boyd Were, including vandalism of vehicles and harassment of women during voter engagement events.

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga called on all candidates and supporters to campaign peacefully, urging security agencies to act swiftly against those responsible and for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure a fair and transparent process.

The IEBC has issued strict directives to all candidates, warning that any breach of the agreed campaign schedule could attract sanctions, including disqualification.

The commission highlighted violent incidents in the constituency, including the deaths of two people and attacks on law enforcement officers, and stressed that candidates must campaign without fear or intimidation. Security has been increased, and investigators have been deployed to examine all clashes ahead of the 27 November by-election.