Celebrations broke out across Kasipul as Boyd Were secured the parliamentary seat in the November 27 by-election, marking a major moment for both the young leader and the ODM party.
After receiving his certificate at Agoro Sare High School in Oyugis, Were said the victory belonged to the people and assured them that he would focus on unity and practical service delivery.
Addressing residents shortly after the announcement, the 27-year-old expressed gratitude and confidence in the mandate he had been given.
"I still believe that I am fit to be the MP for Kasipul constituency. I thank our people for the great support they have given me," he said. He also commended the electoral body for what he described as a credible exercise, adding, "We'll unite our people and ensure service delivery across the constituency."
Were was joined by a team of ODM leaders led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and lawmakers Peter Kaluma of Homa Bay Town and Lilian Gogo of Rangwe. Also present were MCAs Nicholas Owaka and Florence Ouma. The leaders said the outcome reflected the trust residents continued to place in ODM.
Wanga said Kasipul had sent a strong message through the ballot, noting that the party had also kept its seats in Magarini and Ugunja. She said stability would now be the focus, urging an end to political clashes that had been witnessed in the constituency in previous months.
"The landslide victory of Were shows that ODM is still strong at the grassroots. We're happy with the people of Kasipul for electing Were," she said. Wanga added that her government would cooperate with the new MP in planning development programmes.
Gogo said the win showed that residents valued young leadership and were ready to give new leaders a chance. "We appreciate the people of Kasipul for trusting the young Were with leadership. ODM will continue," she said.
Ouma praised voters for their resolve throughout the campaign period. "The victory belongs to the people of Kasipul for defying all odds. We appreciate the people of Kasipul for electing Were," she said.
In the final tally, Were was declared MP-elect with 16,819 votes. Independent candidate Philip Aroko finished second after securing 8,476 votes. Constituency returning officer Rebeccah Abwaku, who issued the certificate, said the poll reflected the will of the people.
Collins Okeyo Omondi of MDG came third with 4,796 votes, followed by Robert Riaga with 519 votes.
A total of 32,260 voters participated in the poll. Abwaku said the process ran smoothly and met the required standards. "I declare Boyd Were as the winner and MP-elect for Kasipul constituency. The election was done in a free and fair manner," she said, later adding, “The election was conducted credibly. I therefore declare Were as the MP elect.”
Other races held on the same day produced new leaders in several counties. In Ugunja, ODM’s Moses Omondi Okoth won with 9,447 votes. In Nyansiongo Ward, Jackson Mogusu of PDP was declared the winner with 2,759 votes.
In Banisa, Ahmed Maalim Hassan of UDA won the parliamentary seat after garnering 10,431 votes. Wiper’s Antony Kisoi took Mumbuni North Ward with 3,849 votes, while Isabella Leshimpiro of UDA was elected in Angata Nanyekie Ward after receiving 1,239 votes.
