Chris Budo from Ugunja ward.He has expressed interest to run for Ugunja parliamentary seat which became vacant following the appointment of former MP Opiyo Wandayi to the cabinet.[FILE/Standard]
High-stakes as 11 candidates vie to replace Wandayi in Ugunja
Nyanza
By
Isaiah Gwengi
| Nov 23, 2025
With less than a week to the November 27 Ugunja Parliamentary by-election, the race has narrowed into a high-stakes contest driven by competing development promises, shifting political alliances and the recent flare-up of violence on the campaign trail.
Eleven candidates have been cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), but the battle is increasingly shaping into a contest between Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominee Moses Omondi and several emerging challengers who are promising a break from traditional politics.
Omondi, a former CDF manager, is banking on ODM’s long-established dominance in the constituency and a message of continuity in service delivery. His campaign has pledged to fast-track stalled infrastructure developments and maintain the political influence Ugunja holds within Siaya County.
The Ugunja seat fell vacant after former MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed as Energy Cabinet Secretary. Wandayi was the constituency’s first MP after it was carved out of the larger Ugenya constituency.
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However, newer faces in the race say residents deserve more than party loyalty. KANU’s Chris Budo has campaigned on transparency and economic empowerment targeting youth and small-scale business owners. His team argues that years of political alignment have not translated into tangible economic growth for locals.
Wiper’s Orodi Odhiambo is positioning himself as a technocrat who can unlock development through professional leadership and accountability.
While urging his supporters to turn out and vote on Wednesday, Orodi promised to promote education in the constituency.
“When elected as the next MP, I will ensure that each learner in day secondary schools pays only Sh1,000 per term,” promised Orodi.
On Saturday, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka led a major rally in Ugunja to boost Orodi’s visibility in the final stretch.
Women’s representation has also emerged as a theme in this by-election, with Lilian Aketch urging voters to embrace gender inclusion and a leadership style that prioritises social empowerment and community-driven development.
Her candidacy has drawn attention from young voters and women-led groups.
Other candidates in the race are Benson Obol (United Green Movement party), Eric Ofiro (Jubilee Party), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Fredrick Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), and Oliver Ochieng’ (National Liberal Party).
UDA and ODM politicians have joined hands to ensure that they deliver the seat for Omondi, who is flying the Orange colours.
About two weeks ago, senior political figures in Ruto’s camp, as well as the ODM brigade led by party leader Oburu Oginga pitched tent in Ugunja to campaign for Omondi. They claim he is the best bet to clinch the seat and will drive the constituency forward.
According to Oburu, Omondi is the best candidate to continue the development agenda for the people of Ugunja.
Others were National Assembly Majority Leader MP Kimani Ichungwa, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, MDG party leader David Ochieng, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Wandayi.
The leaders urged residents not to disappoint the late Raila Odinga.
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