ODM’s Moses Omondi has been declared the new Member of Parliament for Ugunja Constituency after securing a decisive victory in Thursday’s by-election, reaffirming the party’s firm grip on Siaya politics.
Official results announced by Returning Officer Denis Omari show Omondi garnered 9,447 votes, comfortably beating nine other contenders in a race that drew countywide attention.
The by-election recorded a voter turnout of 24.98 per cent, with 15,017 voters casting their ballots out of the 60,114 registered.
Omondi’s closest challenger, Orodi Odhiambo of the Wiper Party, managed 1,819 votes, while UDM’s Fredrick Ochiel came third with 1,200 votes.
He was narrowly followed by Benson Obol Otieno of the United Green Movement, who secured 1,171 votes.
Other results were Maurice Okumu of the Liberal Party Movement with 381 votes, Vincent Olengo of Kenya Moja with 333 votes, Chris Budo of KANU with 188 votes, Lilian Akinyi of the National Alliance Party with 182 votes, Erick Ofiro of the Jubilee Party with 91 votes and Oliver Ochieng of the National Liberal Party with 56 votes.
Shortly after the announcement, jubilant ODM supporters broke into celebrations across Ugunja town, hailing Omondi’s victory as a continuation of the party’s dominance in the region.
Many described the outcome as a vote of confidence not only in the candidate but also in the party’s leadership and organisational strength.
In his acceptance speech, Omondi thanked residents for the overwhelming support, promising to deliver inclusive development and remain accessible to all constituents.
He noted that his win was a mandate to serve and transform Ugunja.
How Omondi won the ODM ticket
Omondi’s road to the ballot began with a competitive party nomination held in September, where he emerged the overwhelming favourite.
He secured the ODM ticket after collecting 5,329 votes, beating his closest challenger, Joseph Aluru, who garnered 2,789 votes, while Fredrick Owino finished with 1,336 votes.
A former constituency manager to former Ugunja MP and current Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Omondi’s nomination victory cemented his position as the party’s frontrunner.
He carried that momentum into the by-election to clinch the parliamentary seat.
