10 candidates cleared by IEBC to contest Kasipul by-election
By Luke Oluoch, October 12, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially cleared 10 candidates to vie for the Kasipul Parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
Among the leading contenders for the race are ODM’s youthful candidate, Boyd Were, and Philip Aroko, a local grassroots mobiliser and flashy businessman.
Collins Okeyo
Okeyo is the candidate for the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), a party associated with Ugenya MP David Ochieng as its leader.
His campaign has been centre on transforming the constituency’s socioeconomic and political landscape.
Linda Aoko Ouma
A self-proclaimed Gen Z candidate is the only lady in the race to succeed the slain MP, Charles Were.
The independent candidate has framed her candidacy on uplifting the lives of girls and education in the constituency.
Philip Aroko
The flamboyant independent candidate running is expected to challenge the ODM stranglehold of Kasipul politics and usher in new leadership, according to his campaign pledge.
Aroko rides on both controversy and wide appeal as he seeks to wrestle ODM’s stranglehold on politics in Homa Bay County.
Despite describing himself as a full and permanent member of the ODM, he elected not to contest the party’s primaries exercise that resulted to Boyd Were’s earning the honours to be the flagbearer.
Robert Riaga Ajwang
Also known as Money Bior, the flamboyant philanthropist and son of the late Ker Riaga Omollo, a revered figure in the Luo Council of Elders.
Bior has been engaged in philanthropic activities in the region and now seeks to try his hand in politics.
He caused a stir when he pledged to distribute his salary as an MP to groups in every ward on a rotational basis for women’s groups to do table banking, adding that he is not in need of the money.
Just like Aroko, he will also run as an independent ticket.
Boyd Were
The youthful ODM aspirant headlines the contest as he seeks to reclaim the seat left vacant by his slain dad, Charles Ongondo Were.
Omondi Koyoo
The former Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Youth Affairs Secretary is a constant figure on the morning television political shows. The effusive speaker will contest the by-election for the National Liberal Party.
Boyd has enjoyed the ODM support and was a force of might as he presented his papers to the IEBC offices in Kosele on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, for clearance.
Full list
Linda Aoko
Isaac Kiche Abok
Omondi Ko’yoo (National Liberal Party)
Robert Money Bior
Okeyo Collins
Philip Nashon Aroko
Rateng’ Okoth Kotiende
Boyd Were
Jesse Okello