By Anderson Ojwang
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is in Ugunja to campaign for his party’s candidate, Dr. Johannes Orodi Odhiambo.
Kalonzo is the first high-profile politician to campaign in Ugunja for the Wiper candidate, a move that could tilt the race ahead of the by-election.
Dr. Orodi is among the top three leading contenders in the race and is enjoying strong support across the three wards of Sidindi, Sigomere and Ugunja. Kalonzo is expected to tour all three wards during his four-hour visit before heading to Malava to campaign for the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako.
Kalonzo’s visit is expected to boost Orodi’s campaign and potentially sway undecided voters ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Orodi has intensified a door-to-door campaign and has emerged as a strong candidate with support from civil society groups, youth, women and the elderly. He is widely credited for initiating various development projects, including electricity supply, borehole construction, education support for vulnerable learners, and other community empowerment initiatives.
Orodi expressed confidence, saying there was a visible shift in voter sentiment.
“I can tell you Ugunja is responding and the change is real. We are pulling and combing everywhere. I can guarantee you, victory is on the way,” he said.
Wiper Nyanza coordinator Odondi Kodo said Kalonzo is keen on securing the seat as part of a broader strategy to strengthen his support base in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“We are on the ground and we will do everything possible to win the by-election. We are here for victory and we will camp here until the election is held,” he said.
The seat fell vacant after former MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Energy. Other candidates in the race include ODM’s Moses Okoth, Chris Budo (KANU), Benson Obol Otieno (United Green Movement), Erick Ofiro (Jubilee Party), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Fredrick Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), and Oliver Ochieng’ (National Liberal Party), Lilian Akinyi (National Alliance Party), and Maurice Okumu (Liberal Party of Kenya).
An ODM rally held on Wednesday left several people injured, with some sustaining gunshot wounds after the event turned violent.
