HOMABAY: Deputy Governor Snubs ODM Candidate, Supports Independent
Homabay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has thrust the Kasipul constituency by-election into a fresh political spotlight by openly supporting independent candidate Phillip Aroko.
This decision has heightened campaigns in a constituency traditionally regarded as an ODM stronghold.
Speaking at one of Aroko’s campaigns on Friday, November 21, Magwanga, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) member, broke ranks with the party.
He passed over ODM’s Boyd Were, which infused new vigor into the by-election.
Magwanga claimed that the people of Kasipul should be able to choose their next MP without external influence.
He advised locals to reject outside pressures and choose leadership that reflects local will above party influence.
Battle for Kasipul
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 22, 2025
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has in a bold political move, laid bare the differences between him and his boss, Governor Gladys Wanga, by openly declaring his support for independent candidate Philip Aroko in the Kasipul constituency by election,… pic.twitter.com/ZYSYXylXoj
His remarks appeared to target the ODM candidate, with the Deputy Governor attributing past instability in Kasipul to repeated leadership patterns that, he claims, have failed to stabilize the constituency.
The Deputy Governor questioned the party nominations, which he claimed were riddled with irregularities, with the party forcing Boyd on the people, prompting Aroko to run as an independent candidate.
“Those who voted in the party nominations were ferried from areas like Suba and Homabay,” Magwanga reiterated.
“The people of Kasipul are entitled to vote. This is not a regional constituency where other people are allowed to come from other areas to vote.”
He underlined the importance of voting integrity, insisting that votes in the upcoming election be cast, protected, counted, and announced honestly.
His call for accountability strengthens the by-election debate, putting pressure on both candidates and election officials to maintain fairness.
Magwanga served as a member of parliament for Kasipul from 2007 to 2017, until being named Gladys Wanga’s running mate in the 2022 Homabay County gubernatorial election.
Kasipul by-election campaigns have seen heated debates, with recent fights between supporters resulting in the loss of life and property.
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Both Boyd and Aroko threw accusing fingers at each other for inciting unrest.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fined the top candidates KSh 1 million each for violating the electoral code of conduct.
“Non-adherence to the Code attracts serious penal consequences, including disqualification of candidates or parties found culpable,” read part of a statement by the IEBC released on November 7 2025.
“In this regard, the Commission has dispatched an investigation team with clear instructions to establish the facts and recommend appropriate action in line with the Electoral Code of Conduct and must be met with a firm and lawful response.”
HOMABAY: Deputy Governor Snubs ODM Candidate, Supports Independent
