Moses Omondi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) emerged victorious in the Ugunja by-election after garnering 9,447 votes in an election that was characterised by low voter turnout.
The former Ugunja Constituency Manager trounced the other nine candidates and was declared the winner by the Ugunja Returning Officer, Denis Omare.
Mr Omondi was followed by the Wiper candidate, Dr Orodi Odhiambo, who secured 1,819 votes to become a distant second.
“Having garnered the highest number of votes, which were tallied in the presence of all the super agents, I hereby declare Moses Okoth Omondi the Member of Parliament-elect of Ugunja Constituency,” said Mr Omare as he handed over the certificate.
Moses Omondi of ODM gives his victory speech after being elected the new Member of parliament for Ugunja Constituency on November 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
The announcement was received with ululations and celebrations by a section of MCAs and officials from the executive.
Other candidates were Fredrick Ochiel, who got 1,200 votes; Benson Otieno, who came fourth with 1,171 votes; and Dr Maurice Juma Okumu, Vincent Olengo and Chrispin Omondi, who managed 381, 333 and 188 votes respectively.
Lilian Akech, the only woman in the race, secured 182 votes, while Erick Ofiro garnered 91 votes. Oliver Ochieng got 56 votes.
Out of the 60,114 registered voters, according to the IEBC register, only 15,017 turned up to cast their votes in the by-election, a clear indication of voter apathy.
Mr Omondi, on his part, agreed to work with all his political rivals and bring development to Ugunja Constituency.
“I want to thank all my competitors. It was a political competition that was mature and devoid of violence. This is the civilisation that we preach in Ugunja—issue-based politics. I call upon all the leaders who competed with me to come and work towards making Ugunja better,” said Omondi.
The constituency, which has had three elections since it was hived off from the former Ugenya Constituency, fell vacant after the former lawmaker Opiyo Wandayi was appointed to head the Energy docket after a political truce between the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the William Ruto-led administration.
The win comes as a relief for the Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, who had during the campaigns pleaded with voters in Ugunja not to embarrass him in the elections.
According to him, the win would boost his stature in President William Ruto’s circles, and this he achieved when the ODM candidate, who was his former constituency manager, emerged victorious.
Unlike other areas conducting by-elections where stakes and tensions were high, Ugunja experienced relatively calm campaigns with no major incidents reported.
