Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Thursday painted an upbeat picture of the Ugunja Constituency by-election, hailing the process as peaceful, seamless and a powerful signal of the region’s political direction ahead of 2027.
Wandayi, who cast his ballot at Luanda Polling Station in Sidindi Ward, praised election officials and security personnel for what he described as a “professionally run and impressively calm” voting exercise that kicked off on time across the constituency.
“I’m very impressed by the peaceful nature of the exercise,” Wandayi said after voting.
“Reports indicate that the entire constituency commenced voting at 6am without incident — very peaceful so far.”
The CS showered rare praise on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the commission appeared to have significantly improved its election management operations.
He acknowledged minor challenges but insisted they were isolated, urging Kenyans to give the IEBC space to operate independently.
“We have the fullest confidence in the IEBC as currently constituted. There can never be 100% perfection — but the teething issues are the exception rather than the rule,” he said.
Wandayi also cautioned politicians and the public against exerting pressure on electoral officials, warning that such actions threaten the democratic process.
While addressing reports of disturbances in Kasipul, Wandayi made a nationwide appeal for sobriety among political actors.
“I want to appeal for calm — not just in Kasipul, but everywhere. Elections are not a matter of life and death,” he emphasized.
“Leaders must lead by example.”
He reminded voters that elections are tools for service delivery, not avenues for violence, and urged all candidates to accept outcomes graciously.
The CS exuded absolute confidence that ODM would clinch the Ugunja parliamentary seat, calling the by-election “a dress rehearsal” for the 2027 General Election.
In a striking political forecast likely to stir debate, Wandayi predicted overwhelming support for President William Ruto in the region in the coming polls.
“Here, ODM will win — I am certain,” he declared.
“The outcome we see this evening will mirror 2027. People here will vote 100% for President Ruto.”
Polling stations were to close slightly after 5pm, with the IEBC expected to issue an official update any time now. Security teams have been deployed across the constituency to maintain calm as the exercise progresses.
As the stakes rise and the ballot count piles up, all eyes now turn to Ugunja — the constituency shaping up as a political bellwether for 2027.
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