TUKO.co.ke journalist, Ivan Mboto, has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

As the race to succeed the late Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were gains momentum following his tragic shooting, a resurfaced video has sparked fresh debate over his preferred successor.

The video seen by shows the late MP seemingly endorsing philanthropist and local politician Newton Ogada as his preferred successor.

In the widely circulated clip, Were is seen addressing a gathering in his native Luo language, while holding Ogada's hand, possibly introducing him to the crowd.

Were used a culturally charged analogy to communicate his political intentions.

“There’s a tradition among the Luo people that if your father dies and he had a young wife he hadn't had a child with, you can assume his role and take care of the family. And you can only do that when he is dead,” Were said. “So because I am still here, just stay put until the day I will fall.”

The statement is being interpreted as a symbolic endorsement of Ogada, urging him to wait patiently for his time and remain loyal in the meantime.

Were went on to praise Ogada for his efforts in uplifting the Kasipul community, especially his work with vulnerable groups.

“He has been building houses for widows and contributing money during Harambees,” Were noted. “Despite not being wealthy, he’s already trying to make a difference.”

In a passionate appeal, the late MP encouraged Ogada to stay close to him, expressing confidence that his loyalty would one day be rewarded.

“So just stay around me and pray. Be my biggest supporter. Let them badmouth you and say you’re worshipping me, but you will get something in return. A child who loves his mother and father receives the highest blessings,” he said.

The video is now fueling speculation on who might step up to fill the vacant seat, with Ogada’s name gaining traction among locals and political observers.

Watch the video below:

In a previous story by, the ODM party announced that the Kasipul parliamentary seat would remain within Were's family.

The party’s Kasipul branch chairperson, Evans Ndege, confirmed that a relative of the late legislator would be fronted in the upcoming by-election.

Speaking during the lawmaker’s burial, Ndege dismissed early campaigns from aspiring candidates and insisted the ODM ticket would go to either one of Were’s wives or sons.

He argued that the late MP had unfulfilled dreams for the people of Kasipul, and the family was best placed to carry on his vision.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma had also advocated for the seat to be handed to a family member, pointing to a similar situation in 2015, when Moses Kajwang’ succeeded his late brother Otieno Kajwang’ as Homa Bay senator.

Source: TUKO.co.ke