By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, November 28, 2025 -The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has tightened its grip on Siaya County after Moses Okoth Omondi clinched the Ugunja Constituency parliamentary seat in Thursday’s by-election.
Omondi delivered a commanding win, garnering 9,447 votes, far outpacing his closest rival, Eng. Odhiambo Orodi of the Wiper Patriotic Front, who finished second with 1,819 votes. The outcome firmly reaffirmed ODM’s dominance in the area, long considered one of the party’s strongholds.
Fredrick Ochiel of the United Democratic Movement secured 1,200 votes to place third, followed closely by Benson Otieno Obol of the United Green Movement with 1,171 votes. Other candidates included Maurice Juma Okumu of the Liberal Party of Kenya (381), Vincent Olengo of Kenya Moja (333), Chrispine Omondi Oduor of KANU (188), Lilian Akinyi of the National Alliance Party (182), Erick Ofiro of the Jubilee Party (91), and Oliver Ochieng’ of the National Liberal Party, who managed 56 votes.
Results were announced at the constituency tallying centre at Ambira High School, where IEBC Returning Officer Denis Omare confirmed that 15,017 of the 60,114 registered voters took part in the poll—an overall turnout of 24.9 per cent.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional Omondi thanked residents for placing their trust in him as Ugunja’s second MP. He pledged to build on the development agenda championed by his predecessor, James Opiyo Wandayi, who now serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy.
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“I thank the people of Ugunja for finding time to come out and exercise their democratic right, even though the turnout was lower than expected,” Omondi said. “I also extend my appreciation to my competitors and invite them to join hands so we can work together. What matters now is ensuring Ugunja continues to grow.”
The by-election, one of several held nationwide, has been viewed as a crucial test of political parties’ strength ahead of the 2027 General Election. For ODM, Omondi’s victory reinforces its firm standing in Siaya, while for the new MP, it marks the beginning of a mandate he has vowed to fulfil with focus and unity.
