President William Ruto has announced that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will support one candidate in the upcoming Ugunja parliamentary by-election.

Speaking on Sunday, August 31, 2025, after a church service at St. Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya County, the president said the decision was made to strengthen the broad-based government and avoid unnecessary divisions in the region.

“Sawa sawa? Kwa sababu sasa tutakuwa na uchaguzi, sisi wote tumekubaliana ODM, UDA, Kenya Kwanza, tumekubaliana tutakuwa na candidate mmoja hapa. Hakutakuwa na candidate wawili. Tutakuwa na candidate mmoja wa broad-based government, na sisi wote tutamuunga mkono,” Ruto said.

The declaration comes as political temperatures rise in Ugunja, following the appointment of former MP Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary. His move to the Cabinet left the seat vacant, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) setting November 27, 2025, as the date for the by-election.

Aspirants eye Ugunja seat

Several aspirants have already expressed interest in replacing Wandayi. They include businessman Joseph Aluru, constituency manager Moses Omondi, lawyer MJ Okumu, Sam Okoyo and Chris Budo. ODM, which has a strong base in the constituency, is expected to play a major role in deciding who gets the ticket.

Political observers say that by agreeing to field one candidate, UDA and ODM are showing a new spirit of cooperation. This is especially significant in Nyanza, a region long considered an ODM stronghold. The move could change the political landscape by easing rivalry and boosting the government’s image in the area.

However, the decision may not sit well with some aspirants who had already started campaigns, hoping to get the ODM ticket. Analysts believe the role of clan politics, party loyalty, and the influence of former MP Wandayi will still play a huge part in deciding the eventual winner.

The IEBC has already issued guidelines for aspirants and parties ahead of the by-election. Campaigns will officially run from October 8 to November 24, 2025 before voters head to the polls.