On Thursday, November 27, 2025, more than 70,000 voters in Ugunja Constituency are expected to vote for one of the 10 candidates cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be their next Member of Parliament.

As voters queue at the 66 polling stations, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party candidate Moses Omondi will be among those whose portraits will appear on the ballot papers.

Omondi floored his competitors, Fredrick ZB Owino and Otieno Alur, to clinch the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket with 5,329 votes and is widely tipped to win with the party’s strong backing in the area.

The Ugunja by-election was triggered by the appointment of James Opiyo Wandayi to the Energy and Petroleum docket.

Other candidates facing Omondi include Crispine Oduor, popularly known as Chris Buddo of KANU, Benson Obol of the United Greens Movement (UGM), Orodi Johannes Odhiambo of the Wiper Democratic Movement, Lilian Aketch of the Alliance for Real Change Party, Eric Offiro of Jubilee Party, Vincent Olengo of Kenya Moja, Oliver Ochieng’ of the National Liberal Party and Maurice Okumu of the Liberal Party of Kenya.

The ten candidates have conducted peaceful campaigns, reaching voters in markets, rallies, churches and funerals, with the campaign period now coming to an end.

Yesterday, Governor James Orengo, National Assembly Budget Chair Samuel Atandi and former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga held a whirlwind tour of Ugunja to drum up support for Omondi ahead of the Tuesday polls.

Orengo said a win for Omondi would be a major boost to the ODM party.

“We are counting on Ugunja people, whom we believe shall turn out in big numbers to cast votes in favour of the ODM candidate,” Orengo said.

He added that Omondi’s victory would strengthen the party and increase its leverage at the negotiation table ahead of 2027.

Orengo noted that President William Ruto had sought assistance from Raila Odinga to stabilise the country during the Gen Z protests, saying he helped cool political tensions.

He spoke at Sidindi Primary School grounds, where he urged ODM leaders to focus on strengthening the party rather than 2027 succession politics.

“We shall have an easy ride to power or secure better positions in the next regime if we build a strong party,” he added.

Leaders rally voters

Atandi echoed similar sentiments, praising Ugunja residents for backing Omondi in the party primaries and describing him as a hardworking and focused politician.

He said Omondi would help ensure development projects, including infrastructure improvements such as the Sidindi-Masiro road, benefit the locals.

“I want Ugunja people to support him and stand by him at the ballot box,” Atandi said.

Omondi, addressing the same gathering, vowed to tackle inequality, saying he had served as a constituency manager for 13 years and understood administrative issues well.

Majority Leader Edwin Otieno said a win for Omondi would be a beacon of hope for the youth, describing him as a clear thinker ready to reimagine politics in a meaningful way.