Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Boyd Were has pledged integrity and service in a deeply moving address that left many members visibly emotional.

The 28-year-old Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator, who became the youngest Member of Parliament after a resounding victory in the Kasipul by-election, made the pledge on December 4, 2025.

He stood at the dispatch box and declared: “I stand before you as the youngest Member of Parliament, a son of Kasipul, whose journey has been shaped by pain, promise, and profound responsibility.”

Resounding by-election win

Speaking barely a week after trouncing ten rivals in the November 27, 2025, polls, Were paid glowing tribute to the people of Kasipul who handed him 16,819 votes against his closest challenger Philip Nashon Aroko’s 8,476.

“My election is not just a triumph of youth; it is a testament to the resilience of our people, the power of democracy, and the belief that leadership belongs to those who are willing to serve with integrity and courage,” he told the packed House.

The victory had been celebrated in grand style the previous Friday when ODM officials led by National Chairperson Gladys Wanga took to the streets of Mumbo town in a jubilant procession.

Wanga praised Kasipul voters for rejecting intimidation and voting overwhelmingly for the young candidate despite propaganda that he “cannot even speak in Luo.”

Honouring legacy

The new MP’s voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of the heavy personal price his family has paid for public service.

“This victory carries both joy and unbearable sorrow. I stand here with two fresh graves behind me: my father, who paid the ultimate price for public service, and Baba, H.E. Raila Amollo Odinga, whose guidance I longed for as I began this journey,” Were said, referring to his late father, former Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were, who was shot dead in Nairobi in May 2025.

Were, who succeeds his slain father had earlier thrilled thousands of supporters when he led them in reciting the oath of office immediately after Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku declared him the winner in the early hours of November 28, 2025.

The Kasipul win strengthened ODM’s grip ahead of the 2027 General Election, adding to recent by-election successes in Ugunja, Magarini, and Nanaam Ward in Turkana.