The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared eleven candidates to contest for the Ugunja Parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
The seat fell vacant following the appointment of former MP Opiyo Wandayi as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum. The IEBC confirmed that all candidates met the legal and ethical requirements to participate in the race and urged them to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
Among those cleared are Benson Obol Otieno of the United Green Movement (UGM), Eric Ofiro of the Jubilee Party, Vincent Olengo of Kenya Moja Party, Fredrick Ochiel of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), and Oliver Ochieng’ of the National Liberal Party (NLP).
Others include Lilian Akinyi Aketch of the National Alliance Party (NA), Moses Omondi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Orodi Odhiambo of the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM), Maurice Okumu of the Liberal Party of Kenya (LPK), and Chrispine Oduor Budo, popularly known as Chris Budo, representing KANU.
The Ugunja by-election has drawn significant attention as multiple parties seek to gain ground in Siaya County, a region long considered an ODM stronghold. IEBC Commissioner Mary Caren Sorobit called on all aspirants to maintain peace during the campaign period and adhere to the commission’s electoral code of conduct.
The winner of the by-election will succeed Opiyo Wandayi and represent Ugunja Constituency in the National Assembly.
