The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared eleven candidates to contest in the Ugunja Parliamentary by-election slated for November 27, 2025, setting the stage for a spirited political showdown in Siaya County.
The seat fell vacant following the appointment of former MP Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto last year. The contest now pits the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—a party long dominant in the region—against a diverse field of challengers determined to upset the traditional political order.
On Wednesday, IEBC approved the candidacies of Benson Obol Otieno (United Green Movement), Erick Ofiro (Jubilee Party), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Fredrick Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), and Oliver Ochieng’ (National Liberal Party).
The list grew on Thursday as Lilian Akinyi Aketch (National Alliance Party), Moses Omondi (ODM), Orodi Odhiambo (Wiper Democratic Movement), Maurice Okumu (Liberal Party of Kenya), and Chris Budo (KANU) were also cleared to vie.
IEBC Commissioner Mary Caren Sorobit, who oversaw the exercise, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to running a free, fair, and credible by-election, urging candidates to keep campaigns peaceful and respectful.
“The Commission is fully prepared to conduct transparent and credible by-elections across the country. We call on candidates to maintain peace and focus on issue-based campaigns,” she said.
However, even before the campaign period officially begins, concerns have surfaced from several aspirants alleging that the playing field may not be level. Some contestants expressed worry that ODM’s candidate Moses Omondi has been spotted using government vehicles during pre-campaign activities—something they say amounts to an unfair advantage.
“We respect the electoral process, but IEBC must be vigilant to ensure no candidate uses state machinery to tilt the race,” one aspirant said.
KANU candidate Chris Budo, in a show of optimism, said he was confident that if the race remains fair, Ugunja voters will shock many who assume the region’s outcome is predetermined.
“ODM has long enjoyed dominance here, but if the playing field is truly level, then they should prepare for a huge surprise. The people of Ugunja are ready for change,” Budo declared.
Amid the procedural rigor, enthusiasm also marked the moment. Lilian Akinyi Aketch, the National Alliance Party candidate, took to Siaya’s most vibrant WhatsApp forum — SIAYA TODAY — to share her excitement upon being cleared by the IEBC, receiving warm messages of encouragement from residents and political supporters alike.
All eleven candidates are scheduled to return to the IEBC constituency offices on Friday to sign the electoral code of conduct and receive a harmonised campaign timetable.
As campaigns officially kick off, Ugunja is shaping up to be a closely watched battleground, with both local and national political interests keen to see whether the by-election will affirm ODM’s historical grip on Siaya — or mark the beginning of a new political chapter.
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