ODM’s Moses Omondi Seals ‘Raila Victory’ in Ugunja Amid Chaos and Cross-Party Backing
Moses Omondi Okoth, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, has been declared the winner of the Ugunja Constituency by-election on November 27, 2025, securing 5,329 votes against closest rival Joseph Otieno Alur’s 2,729 and Fredrick Owino’s 1,336.
The victory, dubbed a “Raila win” due to ODM’s stronghold ties to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, reaffirms the party’s dominance in Siaya County following Opiyo Wandayi’s elevation to Energy Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto in July 2024.
Returning Officer Felix Ngala announced the results at Savannah Hotel in Ugunja Town after tallying from all 116 polling stations, despite low turnout below the 60,114 registered voters.
By-Election Triggered by Wandayi’s Cabinet Rise
The seat fell vacant after Wandayi’s, Ugunja’s former MP, accepted a national government role, prompting the by-election under tight security with 232 police officers and IEBC’s new facial recognition for voter ID.
Omondi, Wandayi’s long-time Constituency Development Fund manager for 13 years, positioned himself as the natural successor, leveraging his experience in local infrastructure and education projects.
Voter apathy marked the polls, yet ODM’s organizational muscle ensured a comfortable margin in this Nyanza bastion.
Hard-Fought ODM Nomination Battle
Omondi’s path to the ticket was intense, clinching the primaries with identical 5,329 votes over Alur’s 2,789 and Owino’s 1,336 at the same tallying center.
Violence marred the process, including gunshots at Nyasanda Technical Training Institute where MCA Erick Odawa fired in the air amid clashes, injuring him, and rival accusations of vote manipulation.
An ODM rally led by national chairperson Gladys Wanga on November 20 turned chaotic with shots fired, one person shot, and injuries after handout crowds grew restless; opponents blamed Wanga for importing “Kasipul violence culture.”
Omondi hailed the primaries as “free and fair,” extending unity calls to rivals.
Heavyweight Endorsements Across Divides
Omondi’s campaign drew rare bipartisan support, blending ODM loyalists like acting leader Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, MDG’s David Ochieng, and Gladys Wanga with government figures including Wandayi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
Leaders praised Omondi as a “visionary” for Ugunja’s needs, bridging Nyanza unity and national development ties.
Independent aspirant Vincent Olengo Kwach faced harassment, assaults on family, and vandalized posters, highlighting the race’s ferocity.
Moses Omondi’s Vision and Political Path
A development specialist, Omondi pledges to finish stalled roads, boost bursaries, empower youth via vocational training and entrepreneurship, upgrade health facilities, ensure clean water, and aid smallholder farmers.
He commits to transparent resource use and partnerships with county/national governments for investments, aiming to consolidate ODM’s Siaya grip while delivering progress.
Post-win, Omondi urged rivals to collaborate for constituency growth, signaling focus on the remaining term’s priorities amid 2027 election tests.