KASIPUL: Philip Aroko, a frontrunner in the November 27 by-election in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, is on a mission to change the political status quo; a fact that is giving the dominant ODM party sleepless nights.

As always anticipated in this region, where the Orange party has historically enjoyed dominance, Boyd Were, the winner of the party primaries, initially appeared to be the presumptive victor.

However, the ODM party, led in Siaya by Senator Oburu Oginga, appears to have underestimated its main opponent.

Aroko has built significant momentum campaigning relentlessly from hamlet to hamlet.

With a powerful message of changing the status quo and whispered support from certain ODM leaders, Aroko’s influence is rapidly eroding the Orange party’s traditional base.

The ODM struggles: clannism and violence tag

A senior official in the Orange party, who spoke to Kondele News on condition of anonymity, revealed that the situation is fast becoming uncontrollable.

Young Were is facing a slippery uphill task convincing the electorate.

“We are not doing well in Kasipul, otek jadhoot (it’s not easy my brother),” the source said via phone interview.

The party is struggling to contain several issues, notably: clannism where a large segment of the electorate feels that handing Were the ODM ticket amounted to forcing his candidature upon them, highlighting deep-seated clan dynamics in the constituency.

Secondly the violence tag where; the ODM campaign is simultaneously fighting the violence tag that has plagued the constituency’s political scene since the days before assassination of the late MP, Charles Ong’ondo Were, in Nairobi on April 30, 2025.

Fatal clashes raise security fears

Just days ago, the political temperature boiled over when at least two people were killed in violent clashes between the supporters of Were and Aroko during a rally in Opondo area, Central Kasipul Ward.

Several others sustained injuries, with police confirming that gunshots were reported during the confrontations.

County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem stated that the unrest followed an incident at Were’s campaign venue that led to panic and clashes.

“As Were went to report the incident at Oyugis Police Station, his supporters reacted, which resulted in the tragic death of two youths,” Koilem said.

The two deceased, both aged 26 and identified as supporters of Aroko, were named as Ben Ondiege and Bruno Onyango. Both men sustained deep cuts to the head.

The clashes also left nearly a dozen people injured.