Ugunja Constituency awoke to a decisive political reset on Friday as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, Moses Omondi, secured a resounding victory in a hotly contested by-election that had Siaya County on edge.

Omondi, who now becomes only the second Member of Parliament to represent the constituency, clinched the seat with a dominant 9,227 votes.

The win not only stamps his authority in local politics but also served as a crucial test of ODM party strength and regional loyalties.

The race featured a crowded field of hopefuls, reflecting one of the most diverse candidate line-ups Ugunja has seen.

However, the contest quickly turned into a one-sided affair in favor of the ODM candidate.

Wiper Party’s Orodi Odhiambo finished a distant second, polling 1,819 votes, while the United Democratic Movement (UDM) candidate, Fredrick Ochiel, secured third place with 1,200 votes.

Candidates from several other parties, including the United Green Movement and Jubilee, split the remaining votes.Despite a relatively low voter turnout, Omondi treated his victory as both a powerful mandate and a clear message from the electorate.

Addressing jubilant supporters shortly after the declaration, the new MP-elect struck a tone of gratitude and unity.

“The choice you made was clear and purposeful,” Omondi said, commending the voters who braved the day to cast their ballots.

He urged the entire constituency to immediately shift focus from campaign mode to development mode, promising a hands-on leadership style.

Omondi also extended an olive branch to his defeated rivals, calling on them to pool ideas and energy for the greater good of Ugunja.

The Ugunja by-election was widely viewed by political analysts as an important temperature check ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Omondi’s overwhelming victory successfully reinforces ODM’s traditional political grip in the Siaya region, sending a strong signal about the party’s resilience in its traditional strongholds.

As he steps into office to serve out the remainder of the term, Omondi has pledged to prioritize service delivery, collaboration, and a renewed focus on local priorities.