Ong’ondo Were: ODM Faces Backlash as Video of Late MP’s Alleged Successor Leaks
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing growing backlash following the circulation of a video appearing to show the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were, endorsing a successor shortly before his untimely death.
The video, which has gained traction across social media platforms and local media outlets, shows the slain MP holding the hand of philanthropist and local political figure Newton Ogada during a public address. Speaking in Luo, Were uses cultural symbolism to convey a message that is now being interpreted as a subtle but clear endorsement.
“There’s a tradition among the Luo people that if your father dies and he had a young wife he hadn’t had a child with, you can assume his role and take care of the family. And you can only do that when he is dead,” Were stated. “So because I am still here, just stay put until the day I will fall.”
Observers have interpreted the statement as an indirect endorsement of Ogada, with Were effectively instructing him to remain patient until the opportunity arises. The imagery and phrasing have led many within the constituency to believe that the late MP was preparing Ogada as his political heir.
Were also praised Ogada’s charitable contributions to the Kasipul community. He highlighted Ogada’s involvement in grassroots efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, including widows and families in need.
“He has been building houses for widows and contributing money during Harambees,” Were noted. “Despite not being wealthy, he’s already trying to make a difference.”
In a further show of encouragement, the late MP urged Ogada to remain close and loyal, promising that faithfulness would eventually be rewarded.
“So just stay around me and pray. Be my biggest supporter. Let them badmouth you and say you’re worshipping me, but you will get something in return. A child who loves his mother and father receives the highest blessings,” he said.
The video has sparked considerable public debate, with many questioning the ODM party’s recent announcement that the Kasipul parliamentary seat would be reserved for a member of Were’s family. Constituents and political observers are now accusing the party of ignoring the late MP’s own indications of succession.
During Were’s funeral, ODM’s Kasipul branch chairperson Evans Ndege publicly dismissed early campaigns from other aspirants. He declared that the party’s parliamentary ticket in the upcoming by-election would go to a family member, either one of Were’s wives or sons.
Ndege justified the decision by arguing that Were’s developmental vision had not yet been fully realized, and that only his family could be trusted to continue his work.
This announcement has been met with growing dissent, especially after the resurfaced video appeared to counter ODM’s position. Critics accuse the party of sidelining a potential successor whom the late MP had informally endorsed in favor of internal political convenience and loyalty to family ties.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma added to the controversy when he echoed Ndege’s view. Kaluma cited a similar precedent in 2015, when Moses Kajwang’ succeeded his late brother Otieno Kajwang’ as Homa Bay senator. He argued that political continuity within the family has historical and emotional justification.
However, this comparison has not quelled the dissatisfaction. Local leaders, community members, and online commentators are calling out the ODM leadership for what they see as a top-down imposition that contradicts the late MP’s personal wishes.
Support for Newton Ogada has surged in the wake of the video’s release. Known for his philanthropic initiatives, Ogada has steadily built a reputation for serving disadvantaged groups in Kasipul, particularly through housing projects and social support programs. His growing popularity, combined with the perceived endorsement, has positioned him as a serious contender—despite the party’s current stance.
Political analysts note that the backlash ODM is facing stems from broader frustrations over succession politics in Kenya, where party decisions often override local sentiment. In regions like Homa Bay County, where ODM commands significant influence, internal nominations are usually decisive. However, the current situation may test the limits of that dominance.
The backlash could present a significant challenge for ODM, particularly if Ogada chooses to contest the seat as an independent candidate or under a different party banner. Such a move would likely divide the vote base, weakening the party’s grip on a traditionally secure constituency.
As preparations for the by-election continue, the tension between party directives and community sentiment is becoming more pronounced. ODM now faces the difficult task of managing internal unity while addressing the credibility questions raised by the leaked video.
The controversy raises a fundamental question: should political parties honor symbolic personal endorsements, or adhere strictly to internal processes—even when those processes contradict the apparent wishes of a fallen leader?
The party has yet to officially comment on the content of the video or address the growing calls to reconsider its succession strategy. Meanwhile, the electorate in Kasipul is watching closely, with expectations that their voices—along with the legacy of Charles Ong’ondo Were—will not be overlooked.
As the by-election draws near, ODM will need to balance party cohesion with respect for public sentiment, or risk alienating a key part of its base.
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Ong’ondo Were: ODM Faces Backlash as Video of Late MP’s Alleged Successor Leaks