By-election campaigns intensify in Nyanza as candidates gear up

Political activity is intensifying in Nyanza as contenders prepare to vie for two parliamentary seats in the upcoming by-elections.

While the exact dates for the by-elections in Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies remain uncertain due to the ongoing reorganization of the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), candidates are already making strategic moves to secure their positions.

Grassroots mobilization is so vigorous that in Kasipul, Boyd Were, son of the late former MP Ong'ondo Were, has officially announced his bid to take over his father’s seat.

A group of ODM leaders, including Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, have publicly endorsed Boyd Were.

Another candidate, Robert Ajwang, also known as Money Bior, has launched a door-to-door campaign to rally support from residents.

Meanwhile, in Ugunja, the contest to fill the seat left vacant by former MP Opiyo Wandayi—who was appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto—has heated up, with ODM aiming to keep control of the constituency.

Five candidates have officially declared their intentions to contest the Ugunja parliamentary seat.

The hopefuls include Moses Omondi, the current constituency manager in Ugunja; Joseph Aluru, a businessman and insurance professional; MJ Okumu, a former British soldier and lawyer; Sam Okoyo; and businessman Chris Budo.

Aluru, a native of Ugunja Ward, has previously run twice for the seat but was defeated by Wandayi.

Observers suggest that party politics will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.

Given the strong support ODM enjoys in the area, the candidate who secures the party’s nomination is widely expected to win the seat.

The matter of geographical boundaries is also expected to be a key topic in political debates and campaigns.

Wandayi served two full terms and had been re-elected for a third before his appointment to the Cabinet.

Political analyst Oscar Omondi argues that the Wandayi factor is also likely to shape the contest and voters will rally behind his preferred candidate.

"He still holds significant influence and can sway voters toward his preferred candidate. His political clout, combined with financial resources, cannot be underestimated," Omondi said.

He also believes that the ongoing tensions between Governor James Orengo and senior ODM leaders will impact the race.

"At a recent county event in Ugunja, Governor Orengo remarked that CS Wandayi should let the people choose their own MP. Comments like these may not sit well with the CS. It’s clear both have their favored candidates, and with their financial backing, this is shaping up to be a fierce political showdown," Omondi added.

Ugunja constituency is made up of three wards: Sigomere, Sidindi, and Ugunja.

Political analysts suggest that the broad-based government coalition may influence the race, with ODM and UDA reportedly agreeing on zoning arrangements to select their candidates.

Fabian Onyango, a political expert from Ugunja, highlights that clan dynamics will significantly affect the election outcome.

He points to Uholo, which comprises three locations—West Uholo, North Uholo (which holds a substantial voting bloc extending into the cosmopolitan Ugunja ward), and East Uholo in Sigomere ward—as a key factor in the contest.

"The Uholo community believes it’s their time to take leadership. This is the message they are emphasizing during the campaigns. They argue that since Sidindi ward currently holds the CS position, power should be fairly distributed so that other wards also benefit," Onyango explained.

In the race to replace Wandayi, 46-year-old Moses Omondi, who has served as Constituency Office Manager for 12 years, outlined his commitment to advancing the projects outlined in the former MP’s strategic plan.

"Mr. Wandayi has led Ugunja Constituency with dedication and excellence for 12 continuous years, driving development and progress. None of us anticipated his appointment, but now that it has happened, we fully support it. I am ready to step up, fill the void he leaves, and build upon his work to tackle the remaining challenges," Omondi said.

The ODM hopeful has vowed to bring fresh, transformative ideas to address the changing needs of the constituency, emphasizing that public participation will be a key pillar of his leadership.