ODM aspirant denies being Wandayi’s project ahead of Ugunja by-election
By Eric Juma, September 20, 2025Ugunja parliamentary aspirant Moses Omondi dismissed claims that he is a political project of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in his parliamentary quest.
Omondi added that he aligns himself with the ODM party and was the project of Ugunja residents and not Wandayi, as speculated by certain quarters.
He assured supporters that the rumours being peddled have no truth and that those doing it were only determined to confuse their followers.
“Those who are selling such untruths should sell their agenda for the people instead of telling people lies. They have already sensed defeat; that’s why they are so anxious about my candidature,” Omondi stated.
“Whose project am I, and in what way? I am my own, so this is propaganda that has no roots. As far as I know, I am the people’s project. Before venturing into politics, I never sought permission from any quarter, but came out as Moses and presented myself to the electorate and sought their support
” The issue of Omondi being a project of Wandayi is a very difficult issue to remove from the public’s thoughts because I have been Wandayi’s manager for close to 13 years, so the narrative has seen some electorates get confused, but the truth is I am a darling and a project of Ugunja residents and eager to serve them as Ugunja MP,” he added.
Omondi, while speaking after attending the burial of Francisca Awuor Magar in Ndendyo Ugunja Sub-County, said that he has traversed Ugunja constituency to market his bid and does not think the electorate will abandon him next Friday during the ODM party primaries.
Ready to fit into Wandayi’s shoes
Armed with fresh insights and unwavering resolve, Omondi said he is determined not to leave anything to chance. He is ready to fit into the predecessor’s boots and offer the leadership that Ugunja residents yearn for.
Known for her strong stance on good governance and transparency qualities that reflected on his track record as NG-CDF manager for close to 13 years, Omondi passionately calls for Ugunja to be led by someone who truly understands the plights of the community and understands the diverse communities.
Omondi disclosed that his leadership will centre on efficiency in service delivery to the people. Moses will have to battle it out with Aluru and Eng Owino Fredrick to fill the post that fell vacant following the appointment of Opiyo Wandayi as the CS for Energy. Omondi aims to build on the legacy of his former boss, Wandayi.
“As administrator, have been overseeing the implementation of the projects under NG-CDF as enshrined in the strategic plan and once elected, will conduct rapid needs assessment and implement quick impact projects to fill the development gap,” he added.
He further asked his worthy competitors to ensure they campaign on ideas and not insults.
“Ugunja is known for peace, the campaigns should not divide us; We’re not in a campaign of insults, and we should not be in a campaign of insults. It should be about ideas. And that is what will capture the imagination of Ugunja people,” said Omondi
“To youths, Politics is not war. Stay engaged, stay peaceful and support leaders who are development-oriented.”
He cautioned his supporters to focus on promoting his candidature rather than attacking others, warning that such behaviour could be exploited by political opponents.
When Wandayi left office, he was serving his third term as the legislator and leader of the minority. In the last general elections, Wandayi decisively bruised his competitors, securing 32,359 votes.
His closest rival, Francis Odawa of the MDG, garnered 3,691 votes, while Oyugi Dor of UDM managed just 3,156 votes. Among those eyeing the seat are Chris Budo, lawyer MJ Okumu, businessman Joseph Aluru, Eng. Fredrick Owino, Fredrick Oyugi Dor, former constituency manager Moses Omondi, and Sam Okoyo.