The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)’s hunt for its next flagbearer in Ugunja is officially underway, with party members casting their votes in primaries held across the sub-county ahead of the November 27 by-election.
At Masamra Polling Station, voting started later than scheduled due to a church service that delayed the opening until 9 a.m. Once voting began, voters slowly trickled in to cast their ballots.
Across the constituency, both young and elderly voters made their way to various polling centres, with some senior citizens being carried or escorted to and from the voting stations.
Turnout varied significantly, with some centres experiencing long queues while others remained relatively quiet. Several hopeful voters were turned away for not being registered ODM members — a requirement to participate in the party primaries.
Three key aspirants are vying for the ODM ticket: Moses Omondi, Joseph Aluru, and Eng. Fredrick ZB Owino.
Moses Omondi, who voted at Siror Rock Creek Church, commended the peaceful conduct of the nominations and thanked his supporters for turning up.
At Nyasanda Polytechnic, Joseph Aluru encouraged voters to continue participating, noting that there was still ample time.
Eng. Fredrick Owino cast his vote at Simerro and called for a fair and peaceful process. He also urged officials to extend voting hours until 5 p.m. to make up for delays at some polling centres.
Voting times varied across the constituency, with several polling centres opening late.
One party member, Mary Nyamombasa, who arrived at her polling centre at 6 a.m., said the process had proceeded smoothly despite minor issues.
“We have not seen any challenges so far, apart from some supporters who were shouting the names of their candidates within the centres, but that was managed,” she said.
