ODM sets date for Kasipul party primaries ahead of by-election
By Faith Lagat, September 12, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced dates for party primaries in four electoral areas ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) on September 12, 2025, confirmed that nominations will take place in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay; Ugunja Constituency, Siaya; Kariobangi North Ward, Nairobi; and Lake Zone Ward, Turkana, between September 24 and 27, 2025.
“The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) will conduct Party primaries elections for Kasipul Constituency (Homabay County, Ugunja Constituency in Siaya County, Kariobangi North ward in Embakasi North in Nairobi County and Lake Zone ward, Turkana North in Turkana County as follows:Wednesday 24th September 2025 – Kasipul Constituency (Member of National Assembly ) Friday 26th September 2025 – Ugunja Constituency ( Member of National Assembly ) Saturday 27th September 2025 – Kariobangi North Ward & Lake Zone Ward ( Member of County Assembly ),” read the ODM’s statement.
Timelines and procedure
According to NECC, voting in Kasipul Constituency for the Member of National Assembly seat will be conducted on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The Ugunja Constituency nomination follows on Friday, September 26, 2025, while the primaries for Kariobangi North and Lake Zone wards will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
The exercise will be conducted through universal suffrage among registered party members, with polling scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Verification of members will be electronic, either through the website www.odmmembership.com or via the code 483036#. Any petitions must be filed within 24 hours of the vote, with a fee of Ksh70,000 for parliamentary contests and Ksh 35,000 for county assembly seats.
“The Party primaries elections will be conducted through universal suffrage by registered Party members. Voting will be by secret ballot. Verification of registered members will be done electronically through membership website: www.odmmembership.com OR by dialing 483036#. Elections will be held from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm at the designated polling centres.”
NECC Chairperson Emily Awitta earlier said, “The party awarded Magarini Constituency and Fafi Ward candidates direct party tickets. Where there is more than one aspirant, the party primaries will be conducted between September 24 and 27, 2025. The NECC is fully prepared and will ensure that the exercise is a free, fair, and transparent exercise.”
Leaders emphasise readiness
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga underscored the party’s commitment to credibility in the nomination process. “For the candidates in wards and constituencies where we will be conducting nominations, we will begin that process very credible. The coordinating committee is independent and will run its own operations as we run other affairs of the party,” she said.
She added, “We are starting our journey, we are prepared and ready with our candidates. We will leave no stone unturned to campaign in every corner of the country and will be well supported. We want to show that ODM remains the largest party and we will retain our seats and hope to get more seats in the polls.”
Spotlight on Kasipul
The Kasipul by-election has attracted particular attention following the assassination of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in April. His son, Boyd Were, has since emerged as a frontrunner, backed by ODM’s youth league and Governor Wanga.
At a recent fundraiser, President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet said, “People here in Homabay say this young man is enough or not enough. He is enough to get the seat there. Let him continue… Let us all say we are all ODM.”
Boyd responded, “I have brought greetings from Kasipul… the people of Kasipul have told me to tell our honored guests that after here in Homabay, I should invite them to Kasipul to bring us the fruits of broad-based government. And they have said they are fully supportive.”