Chaos and Victory: ODM Primaries in Kasipul Rocked by Delays, Boyd Were Emerges Victor

The ODM party primaries in Kasipul Constituency were marred by significant challenges, including pockets of violence, allegations of rigging, low voter turnout, and widespread delays. These issues plagued the nomination process for Raila Odinga's party, raising concerns about the constituency's ability to move past a history of violence that had previously resulted in injuries and fatalities.
By Wednesday afternoon, vehicles belonging to aspirants vying for the party ticket had been vandalized by goons, and a private business was also targeted. Many party members who had arrived to cast their votes were left disappointed as the voting process was severely delayed. A spot check by The Standard across various polling stations revealed that voting had not commenced by 10 am in most areas, despite ODM's earlier assurance that it would begin at 7 am.
Newton Ogada, one of the aspirants, voiced his concerns about the delay, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to introduce irregularities and favor a specific candidate. He criticized the lack of training for polling officers and expressed skepticism about the fairness of the exercise. Ogada further stated that he would not accept any results if the nomination was mishandled and threatened to explore other options if he felt rigged out.
Dr. Adel Ottoman, another aspirant, accused the party of conducting a disorganized and fraudulent nomination. His vehicles were among those attacked by goons, and he reported multiple instances of double voting. Ottoman warned that ODM risked losing the subsequent by-election if the primaries were not conducted fairly. He also claimed that violence was emerging, accusing opponents of instigating attacks, with several vehicles having their windscreens shattered.
Conversely, Boyd Were, another candidate, initially defended the process, stating that the election was largely peaceful and that all polling stations had received the necessary materials. However, violence did persist, with clashes erupting between supporters of Boyd Were and Newton Ogada in East Kamagak ward. Dr. Ottoman was also attacked at Dol Kodera, and Newton Ogada’s hospital in West Kasipul was targeted by a mob.
Emily Awita, the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson, condemned the disruption of election material distribution and the delayed start of voting, calling the incidents
Recommended Articles
Voters Mobilize: Kenya's Crucial By-Elections Put IEBC Credibility to the Test

Kenyans across 18 counties head to the polls for 22 by-elections, testing the credibility of the IEBC and setting the st...
Tanzania's Democracy in Crisis: Disputed Election Sparks Widespread Condemnation and Violence

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been inaugurated for a second term following a contentious election marred b...
Tanzania Erupts: Post-Election Protests Rock Nation, Celebrities Weigh In

Tanzania faces widespread unrest and celebrity fallout following its disputed October 29, 2025, general election. Music ...
Borno LG Polls Rocked by Controversy: PDP & ADC Boycott Amid Missing Logos and Electoral Defense

Borno State successfully conducted its local government elections, despite the withdrawal of major opposition parties li...
Kenya's Electoral Body Under Scrutiny As By-Elections Test 2027 Readiness

The IEBC is actively managing nationwide by-elections, urging high voter turnout and implementing strict security measur...
You may also like...
Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry to Receive Prestigious BBC Lifetime Achievement Award

Former Arsenal and France football legend Thierry Henry will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2025 ...
Maresca's Emotional Rollercoaster: Chelsea Boss Claims 'Happy' After 'Worst 48 Hours'

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has clarified his previous 'worst 48 hours' comments, now expressing happiness and a deeper co...
Fallout Season 2 Shatters Records, Outperforming HBO's Last of Us!

Fallout Season 2 has premiered on Prime Video to overwhelmingly positive critical and audience reception, scoring a near...
Winter Is Back! Kit Harington Hints at Massive Game of Thrones Comeback

Kit Harington has definitively shut down any possibility of reprising his role as Jon Snow, stating he doesn't want to g...
Love Blossoms: Anwuli & Kennedy's Instagram Romance Leads to #HappilyEverOffor!

Anwuli and Kennedy's love story, sparked by an Instagram connection, led to a beautiful Igbo traditional wedding. After ...
Teyana Taylor & Lucien Laviscount Light Up the 'Spirit Tunnel' with Epic Dance Moves!

The Jennifer Hudson Show features high-energy 'Spirit Tunnel' entrances, with Lucien Laviscount making a stylish walk an...
Kenya's Billion-Shilling Travel Bill: Austerity Pledge Broken?

The Kenyan government spent nearly Sh5 billion on travel in the first three months of FY 2025/26, raising concerns about...
Shehu Sani Urges Nigerians: Shun US Travel Ban, Build Nation

The United States has enacted new travel restrictions impacting Nigerian nationals, covering both immigrant and several ...