The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared Moses Omondi Okoth, who contested under the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), as the winner of the Ugunja Constituency by-election held on Thursday, November 27.
The by-election was necessitated by the appointment of former MP Opiyo Wandayi as Cabinet Secretary for Energy by President William Ruto on July 23, 2024.
Ugunja By-Elections
IEBC declared Omondi the winner after tallying votes from all 116 polling stations, although the commission reported that the voter turnout was way below the 60,114 registered voters.
Security was tight, with 232 police officers deployed, and IEBC introduced facial recognition technology to enhance voter identification
Omondi’s campaign drew strong backing from ODM heavyweights and allies across the political arena.
Leaders who endorsed him include:
- Opiyo Wandayi, Energy Cabinet Secretary and former Ugunja MP
- Oburu Oginga, Siaya Senator and ODM acting party leader
- James Orengo, Siaya Governor
- Millie Odhiambo, Suba North MP
- David Ochieng, MDG party leader
- Gladys Wanga, ODM national chairperson
- Kimani Ichung’wah, National Assembly Majority Leader
- Aaron Cheruiyot, Senate Majority Leader
The leaders described Omondi as a visionary who understands Ugunja’s needs and as someone who will bring development and unity to Nyanza politics.
Hard-Fought ODM Ticket
Moses Omondi secured the ODM ticket after a competitive race that positioned him as the frontrunner for the seat, in an area that has long been an ODM stronghold.
Announced by Returning Officer Felix Ngala at the Savannah Hotel tallying center in Ugunja Town, Omondi won by getting 5,329 votes, while his closest rival Joseph Otieno Alur got 2,729 votes, and the second runner up was Fredrick Owino, who got 1,336 votes.
The ODM primaries were filled with violence, after irregularity claims, which saw several cases of violence in various polling stations.
At Nyasanda Technical Training Institute, a confrontation between rival camps left former Member of County Assembly (MCA) Engineer Erick Odawa injured after firing shots in the air to disperse youths attacking him.
Allegations of vote manipulation surfaced, though Omondi called the process “free and fair” and urged unity among competitors.
Independent aspirants, including Vincent Olengo Kwach, reported harassment and politically motivated attacks.
His family was allegedly assaulted, and campaign posters were vandalized.
On November 20, an ODM rally in support of Moses Omondi, led by national chairperson Gladys Wanga, turned chaotic.
Gunshots were fired, at least one person was shot, and several others were injured after a crowd gathered for handouts became restless.
Rival camps accused Wanga of importing a “culture of violence” from previous campaigns in Kasipul.
Moses Omondi’s Plans
The victory reinforces ODM’s dominance in Siaya and signals continued loyalty to the party in its strongholds.
Also Read: Moses Omondi: Profile of ODM Man Seeking to Succeed CS Opiyo Wandayi as Ugunja MP
Moses Okoth Omondi, the newly elected Ugunja MP, brings extensive experience from his tenure as Constituency Development Fund (CDF) manager, where he oversaw infrastructure and education projects.
Omondi has outlined a development-focused agenda that prioritizes completing stalled road projects, expanding bursary programs, and empowering youth through vocational training and entrepreneurship support.
Omondi plans to strengthen healthcare facilities, improve access to clean water, and enhance agricultural productivity by supporting smallholder farmers.
Also Read: David Ndakwa Profile: Early Life and Education Background, Family and Career
He also pledges to maintain transparency in resource allocation and foster partnerships with county and national governments to attract investment.
His leadership aims to consolidate ODM’s influence in Siaya while delivering substantial progress for Ugunja residents.
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