Ugunja Constituency’s 2025 parliamentary by-election has entered a decisive phase marked by rising political momentum, widening poll gaps, and an unfolding scandal that has shaken residents to the core.
Current constituency-level tracking shows ODM’s Moses Omondi surging past the 40% popularity mark, widening the distance between him and his nearest rivals — MJ Okumu (Liberal Party) and Benson Obol (UGM Party), who now trail at a noticeable gap.
But even as the numbers shift, Ugunja today is preoccupied with grief, anger, and unanswered questions following disturbing allegations surrounding a women’s empowerment event held earlier this month.
ODM Consolidates Dominance as Omondi Breaks Past 40%
A pivotal moment in the by-election came on November 8th, when the ODM Party staged a massive rally in Ugunja town, drawing thousands of supporters and top regional figures including Dr. Oburu Oginga, Governor James Orengo, and former area MP Opiyo Wandayi.
The rally was widely interpreted as the definitive coronation of Moses Omondi as the frontrunner. Insiders within ODM confirmed that the endorsements “effectively locked” the constituency, positioning Omondi as the candidate to beat in a region that historically votes in sync with the Orange party.
The Rivals: Momentum Gains and Declines
Eng. Orodi Odhiambo (Wiper Party)
One of the most notable climbers in recent weeks, Odhiambo has built a credible support base without relying on any major political patronage, earning respect among independent-minded voters and the constituency’s expanding youth demographic.
Frederick Ochiel (UDM Party)
Once considered part of the leading pack, Ochiel has slipped in the rankings, hindered by financial constraints and an inconsistent campaign tempo, falling behind the better-resourced frontliners.
Chris Budo (KANU)
Retains a loyal cadre of older and legacy voters, keeping him relevant even without broad constituency penetration.
Lillian Aketch (Alliance for Real Change) and Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja)
Both maintain pockets of support, particularly within civic groups and small business communities, though neither has broken into the top tier of the contest.
Eric Ofiro
Once touted as a potential disruptor, Ofiro is now at risk of being completely submerged, with his campaign failing to sustain relevance.
ALLEGATIONS AFTER WOMEN’S FUNDRAISING EVENT: Money, Chaos, and a Tragic Loss
The by-election campaign narrative took a grim turn following allegations linked to a women’s empowerment fundraiser reportedly organized by Hon. Opiyo Wandayi on November 8th, attended by senior leaders and featuring significant financial contributions.
According to accounts emerging from witnesses and community leaders:
Key Allegations Include:
Women who attended the fundraiser were instructed to go to the Ugunja CDF offices where they were promised KSh 2,000 each.
As hundreds of women flocked to the compound, chaotic overcrowding erupted.
One child tragically lost their life, and several other children were injured in the stampede-like confusion.
Many women never received the promised funds despite waiting in long lines.
Individuals allegedly linked to Wandayi and Moses Omondi were said to be the ones entrusted with distributing the money.
These individuals allegedly disappeared with a portion of the funds (meant for distribution) estimated in the millions as this was part of the around KSh 20 million total from the fundraiser, which reportedly included KSh 5 million contributed by President William Ruto.
These claims remain allegations, and neither Wandayi nor Omondi has issued a substantiated public response.
Nonetheless, the incident has caused shock, grief, and growing resentment among residents.
The community is reeling from the confirmed loss of one young life and the injuries of several others. Mothers who sought empowerment now speak of shattered trust. Local leaders, clergy, and civil society organizations are demanding:
Full public disclosure of the funds collected and disbursed
Identification of the individuals allegedly entrusted with the money
Compensation and justice for the affected families
A thorough independent investigation into the CDF incident
One local elder summarized the mood:
“A child has died. Injuries have happened. Money is missing. We need answers—not politics.”
ODM’s Strongarm Tactics Under Fresh Scrutiny
The tragedy has revived long-standing concerns about ODM’s mobilization style in its traditional strongholds — often characterized by:
High-pressure mobilization
Overcrowded events
Coercive political messaging
Instances of violence during intense electoral seasons
The Ugunja incident has reignited the debate:
Can ODM reform its campaign culture — or will the human cost continue to rise?
While Moses Omondi’s lead continues to widen, the moral and political landscape of Ugunja has shifted dramatically. The alleged mismanagement of women’s empowerment funds, combined with the confirmed loss of a child and multiple injuries, casts a heavy shadow over the by-election.
And so the constituency demands answers:
Where is the money meant for the women?
Who is responsible for the chaos at the CDF offices?
Will anyone be held accountable for the life lost?
And will this tragedy be buried under politics — or confronted with honesty?
Until those questions are addressed, political victory in Ugunja may carry a hollow ring.
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