By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 29 November 2025 - ODM’s sweeping victories in the Magarini, Ugunja and Kasipul by-elections have injected fresh energy into the party and signalled renewed confidence among its support base as the country enters the long runway towards the 2027 General Election.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, one of ODM’s most senior figures, was among the first to praise the wins, describing them as evidence of the party’s enduring grassroots strength while urging members to close ranks and prepare for a more competitive electoral cycle ahead.
In Magarini, Harrison Garama Kombe reclaimed the parliamentary seat with 17,909 votes, defeating his closest challenger Stanley Kenga, who garnered 8,907 votes. Kombe’s decisive margin was interpreted within the party as a strong reaffirmation of ODM’s appeal at the Coast, especially in a constituency that had faced political turbulence following earlier disputes.
In Ugunja, Moses Okoth Omondi won with 9,447 votes, trouncing his nearest rival Orodi Odhiambo, who managed 1,819 votes.
Although turnout was low, the result underscored ODM’s dominance in Siaya County, where party loyalty remains deeply entrenched.
In Kasipul, Boyd Ong’ondo Were secured victory with 16,819 votes, comfortably defeating independent candidate Philip Nashon Aroko, who received 8,476 votes.
This win carried particular emotional and political weight, as the constituency was recovering from the shock of losing its former MP earlier in the year.
Taken together, these victories paint a picture of a party that, despite internal debates and shifting national dynamics, still commands significant loyalty.
For Prof Nyong’o, the wins were more than just numerical triumphs; they were strategic signals.
In his congratulatory message, he emphasised that ODM’s performance in the by-elections illustrated what the party can achieve when united, disciplined and focused.
He warned, however, that success in isolated contests should not be mistaken for guaranteed national momentum, noting that internal cohesion remains ODM’s most critical asset — and its most persistent weakness.
The governor’s call for unity comes at a significant moment.
ODM has spent much of the post-2022 period grappling with internal competition, regional realignments, and questions about the future direction of the party.
By-elections, unlike general elections, are often easier to mobilise for because they involve localised, issue-driven campaigns that rely heavily on established party networks.
But as Nyong’o pointed out, sustaining such performance on a national stage requires a coordinated and disciplined approach that goes beyond individual constituencies.The scale of the by-election victories has also raised the stakes for the newly elected MPs.
For Kombe, Omondi and Were, the overwhelming mandates translate into heightened expectations.
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Constituents will be looking for swift and visible development initiatives, effective representation in Parliament, and an ability to respond to local challenges with renewed energy.
Their performance will inevitably reflect on the party’s broader standing as 2027 approaches.
Strong delivery could strengthen ODM’s claim to being a party of effective leadership; failure could undermine the momentum the party currently enjoys.
Strategically, the wins offer ODM several advantages.
First, they provide a psychological lift to its supporters at a time when political narratives have been shifting rapidly.
Demonstrating electoral strength in both coastal and Nyanza regions helps affirm the party’s continued relevance.
Second, such results enhance ODM’s bargaining power in ongoing and future negotiations over alliances and coalitions — a key consideration as political formations begin to take shape ahead of the next general election.
Third, the emergence of younger leaders such as Boyd Were in Kasipul hints at a generational transition that ODM may harness to appeal to younger and more issue-oriented voters.Yet the victories also come with cautionary notes.
By-elections often mask deeper structural issues — such as factional rivalries, contested primaries, and questions about ideological renewal — that become more visible during large-scale electoral contests.
Nyong’o’s emphasis on unity should therefore be read as both a celebration of the moment and a warning against complacency.
ODM has historically performed best when its internal machinery is aligned, its messaging clear, and its leadership united.
The challenge now is to preserve the cohesion demonstrated during the by-elections and translate it into a sustainable strategy for 2027.
As ODM celebrates its recent wins, the broader implication is clear.
At least for now, the party has proven it still has the ability to mobilise, to organise, and to dominate in its strongholds. But victory in three constituencies is only the beginning.
Nyong’o’s call for unity captures the delicate balance the party must maintain — celebrating success while preparing for a more complex battle ahead.
Whether ODM can convert this moment of optimism into long-term electoral strength will depend on its discipline, strategic clarity and ability to present a cohesive front over the coming two years.
