Parliament was awash with joy on Tuesday as Boyd Were, the MP-elect for Kasipul Constituency, took the oath of office, a moment steeped in symbolism as he walked the same grounds once graced by his late father, Charles Ong’ondo Were.
The youthful legislator arrived at Parliament accompanied by close family and friends, unable to hide his excitement.
Smartly dressed in a dark grey pinstripe suit, a red tie, a matching pocket square and a sleek wristwatch, Boyd cut a confident figure.
His clean, tapered haircut completed the look, now a mark in his poised debut on the national stage.
Boyd, who has followed directly in the political footsteps of his father, beamed as he was escorted into the House by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
After taking his oath, ODM MPs formed an informal parade of sorts, each insisting on shaking his hand before allowing him to take his seat, perhaps a symbolic initiation into the often turbulent world of Kenyan politics.
He happily exchanged warm handshakes with several outspoken lawmakers, including Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, before settling into his position in the chamber.
In separate photos, Boyd was seen posing with his mothers, the two widows of the late Ong’ondo Were, both visibly proud and supportive as they embraced him and celebrated the start of his journey.
Boyd clinched victory in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election with 16,819 votes.
He was followed by independent candidate Philip Aroko, who garnered 8,476 votes, while Collins Omondi Okeyo of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) came third with 4,796 votes.
Taking to social media to celebrate his swearing in, Boyd thanked his constituents for trusting him with the mandate, saying he would not let them down.
“The oath I took today is more than a formal declaration; it is a lifelong covenant to lead with integrity, wisdom, and unwavering discipline. I pledged to safeguard the interests of the people of Kasipul above all else, ensuring that leadership remains a tool for service rather than a position of privilege. I now stand as a servant of the people of Kasipul, entrusted with your hopes, guided by your voices, and committed fully to your progress,” read part of his Facebook post that got overwhelming attention.
The Kasipul seat fell vacant after Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated earlier this year, a tragedy that shocked the constituency and the wider political community.
Boyd’s victory is being viewed as a strategic boost for Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who was instrumental in his campaign.
The win is also seen as reinforcing the authority and stability of the ODM Party, especially in the wake of Raila Odinga’s exit.