Campaign mood grips Nyanza as candidates angle for by-elections

Political temperatures are rising in Nyanza as leaders position themselves to take up two parliamentary seats ahead of the by-election.

Although it is not clear when the by-elections for Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies are likely to take place due to the ongoing reconstitution of the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), hopefuls are not taking chances.

So intense is the grassroots mobilisation that in Kasipul, Boyd Were, the son of the late former MP Ong’ondo Were, has already declared his intention to succeed his father. 

A section of ODM leaders led by Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma have thrown their weight behind Boyd.

Another hopeful, Robert Ajwang alias Money Bior, has also embarked on door-to-door campaign to seek support of residents.

In Ugunja, however, the race to replace former MP Opiyo Wandayi, who was appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto, has intensified as ODM seeks to retain the seat.

Five aspirants have thrown their hats into the ring for Ugunja parliamentary seat.

Leaders seeking to replace Mr Wandayi are Moses Omondi who is the  current constituency manager in Ugunja, Businessman and Insurance practitioner Joseph Aluru, Ex British soldier, lawyer MJ Okumu and Sam Okoyo and businessman Chris Budo.

Aluru, who is from Ugunja ward, previously contested twice and lost to Wandayi.

Observers believe the issues likely to shape the contest are the party politics. 

With the goodwill the ODM party enjoys in the constituency, the aspirant who bags the party ticket is expected to sail through.

The issue of geographical boundaries is also likely to dominate the political conversations and campaigns.

Wandayi served for two terms and had been elected for the third term when he was appointed to Cabinet.

Political analyst Oscar Omondi argues that the Wandayi factor is also likely to shape the contest and voters will rally behind his preferred candidate.

“He is in a position to sway the people to vote for his candidate of choice. You cannot wish his political muscles away and even now coupled with the financial muscles,” Omondi says.

He believes that the rift between Governor James Orengo and top ODM leaders will also play out in the contest.

“Recently, at a county event in Ugunja constituency, Governor Orengo said CS Wandayi should allow the electorate to choose their own MP. These kinds of political statements may not sit well with the CS. You can be sure both of them will have a preferred candidate, and with their financial backing, we are in for a serious political supremacy battle,” he says.

Ugunja constituency has three wards, Sigomere, Sidindi, and Ugunja.

Political pundits believe that the broad-based government is likely to influence the contest, with both ODM and UDA agreeing on zoning to settle on a flag bearer.

Fabian Onyango, a political analyst from Ugunja constituency, says that clan politics will play a great role in determining who gets elected.

He cites Uholo, which has three locations, including West Uholo, North Uholo, with a huge vote bloc that extends to the cosmopolitan Ugunja ward, and East Uholo in Sigomere ward.

“The Uholo people believe it is their time to lead. It is the narrative they are now driving during the campaigns. They are arguing that Sidindi ward now has CS position and power should be shared out with other Wards getting something,” says Onyango.

In the race to succeed Wandayi, 46-year-old Omondi, who has served for 12 years as Constituency Office Manager says he has plans to ensure the projects in the strategic plan of the former MP are implemented.

“Mr Wandayi has led Ugunja Constituency with dedication and excellence for 12 uninterrupted years, spearheading development and guiding us forward. None of us could have foreseen this appointment coming, but now that it is here, we wholeheartedly embrace it. I stand before you, ready and willing to fill the gap he leaves behind and to elevate the work he has done to new heights, addressing the pressing challenges that remain,” says Omondi.

The aspirant who is eyeing the ODM ticket promises to introduce new, transformative ideas to meet the evolving needs of the people.

He pledges to ensure public participation is at the centre of his leadership.

Similarly, 50-year-old Udo, who is from Ugunja Ward and a graduate of Political Science and Economics from the University of Nairobi, believes he is best suited to succeed Wandayi.

Budo says he brings 20 years’ experience of humanitarian and development service in six African countries of Sudan, Chad, South Sudan, DRC, Cameroon and Nigeria.

“I am very passionate about farming, doing dairy and currently championing avocado in Siaya. I have never vied before, I will be running on an ODM ticket,” he says.

He promises to prioritise poverty alleviation through agriculture (Avocado as a pilot project), increased access to preventive and curative healthcare through networking with various levels of governance and international partners and increased education outcomes through promotion of child friendly school concept.

Mr Aluru who is an insurance practitioner and businessman is also eyeing the ODM ticket.

“We speak too much English and bring nothing home. I am going to do things differently, when I get the chance. I will create order in the bursary distribution of this constituency,” he says.

He promises to create opportunities for the people to enable them to be self-sufficient and create wealth through collaboration networking.

Okoyo, 46, from Ugunja ward, who is vying on Safina party ticket says he is a result driven leader who is dedicated to empowering the people.

He promises to focus on collaboration and innovation to address the community’s needs.

“I will ensure that every initiative aligns with aspiration of Ugunja residents. I believe that together, we can create a thriving future, fostering growth, opportunity and success for all,” he says.

“Having worked in London for over ten years, I believe this good exposure will enable me serve the people. I will put individual input into bettering life of the people,” he adds.

Okoyo pledges to ensure the open-door policy in efforts to transform the constituency.

Dr Okumu, who made his first stab at Ugenya parliamentary seat with a Narc party ticket in 2002 is also optimistic of turning the tide in his favour.

He is eyeing the ODM ticket for the parliamentary seat.

“I am among the founder members of ODM. I have been an active member who has stayed put in the party. I have never left and so this time round I will vie for the seat on an ODM ticket,” he says.

He says he initiated Ugunja bursary fund that has supported several bright and needy children.