RACE BEGINS FOR KASIPUL PARLIAMENTARY SEAT FOLLOWING MP’S MURDER

Political maneuvering has begun in earnest for the Kasipul parliamentary seat, just days after the murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi.

Despite the seat not yet being officially declared vacant by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, several contenders have already emerged in what promises to be a hotly contested by-election.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has publicly called for one of Were’s family members to be awarded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket.

“The family of Were should not vanish from the political scene. Discussions on who will have the party certificate will be held at a later date,” Kaluma stated, adding that he wishes to be included in the selection process for the ODM candidate.

Among those reported to be eyeing the seat is Nairobi-based businessman Philip Aroko, who had been a vocal critic of the slain MP.

Other potential candidates include Okindo Majiwa and Newton Ogada, though neither has officially declared their intentions.

The Kasipul by-election adds to a growing list of pending mini-polls across the country, including constituencies such as Ugunja, Magarini, and Banisa.

Ugunja was previously represented by current Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, while Magarini has been vacant since March 2024 following a Supreme Court ruling that nullified Harrison Kombe’s election.

Banisa has lacked representation since March 2023 after the death of MP Kullow Hassan.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) currently faces challenges in conducting these by-elections due to the absence of commissioners, with recruitment still ongoing.

Should ODM choose to award the party ticket to a member of Were’s family, it would continue a notable pattern in Kenyan politics where relatives succeed deceased politicians.

Prominent examples include Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who was elected following his brother Gerald’s death; Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, who succeeded his father; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who won his father Moses Mudavadi’s Sabatia seat; and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, who took over the Saboti seat after the death of his brother Michael, who was Vice President at the time.

Were’s murder has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, with ODM national chairman Gladys Wanga reportedly linking state machinery to the lawmaker’s death.

The MP had previously warned of threats to his life before his killing.

Police are currently investigating multiple theories surrounding the murder of the politician, who first made his name and wealth in Meru town before entering politics.