The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused Homabay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga of interfering with the Kasipul Constituency party primaries, a move that led to the delay of the nomination exercise meant to produce the party’s candidate for the November 27 by-election.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), ODM leader Raila Odinga faulted Magwanga for what he termed as “unnecessary disruption” of the exercise, which was scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.

Chaos at Election Materials Centre

ODM said the nomination process failed to kick off on time after election materials were violently seized.

“It has come to the attention of the party that the nomination exercise to elect the party candidate for the Kasipul Constituency in the November 27 by-election has not kicked off as scheduled,” read the statement.

Allegations Against Aspirant Newton Ogada

The disruption was allegedly triggered by one of the aspirants, Newton Ogada, who is said to have stormed the distribution centre accompanied by a group of hired youths.

“This has been occasioned by the violent invasion of the election materials’ distribution centre by one of the aspirants, a Newton Ogada who is alleged to have arrived with goons and started threatening the Returning Officer and other officials,” the release continued.

Deputy Governor Magwanga Accused

ODM further claimed that the Deputy Governor’s arrival at the centre worsened the situation despite him not being a contestant in the primaries.

“The process was further delayed by arrival of the Deputy Governor of Homabay County Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the primaries. This unnecessary disruption has caused the delay in the exercise which was supposed to kick off at 8:00 a.m.,” ODM stated.

The party condemned the incident, describing it as both “barbaric and egregious,” noting that it went against the spirit of calmness and restraint that aspirants had pledged to observe.

“This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious considering the commitment that the aspirants participating in the nomination exercise agreed to adhere to during a meeting held in Nairobi last Tuesday (16/09/2025),” the statement emphasized.

Warning to Aspirants

ODM officials warned that stern disciplinary action would be taken against any candidate who deliberately disrupts the exercise or intimidates election officials.

“We expect calmness, friendliness and sobriety during the exercise and this should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bent to disrupt the exercise, issue threats to election officials and cause unnecessary delays that stern disciplinary action will be taken against them including being disqualified from the exercise,” read the NECC warning.

Assurance to Supporters

Despite the chaos, the party assured its members and supporters in Kasipul that the primaries would be conducted peacefully before the close of business.

“In the meantime, we want to assure our members and supporters in Kasipul Constituency that we shall do everything possible to ensure the exercise goes on peacefully before close of business at 5:00 p.m.,” ODM noted.

Press Statement issued by the ODM Party on Disruptions of Kasipul Constituency Party Primaries. PHOTO/ ODM X.