By Lameck Baraza
Ugunja residents, led by Emmanuel Odhiambo, have condemned Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi for allegedly pushing to have the ODM nomination certificate awarded to his nephew, Moses Omondi.
Omondi, a contender in the upcoming Ugunja by-election scheduled for 22nd November, previously served as Wandayi’s constituency manager before the CS’s cabinet appointment.
He has since received his uncle’s blessings to succeed him, an arrangement that some residents strongly oppose.
However Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has firmly distanced himself from the ongoing political contest in Ugunja Constituency, emphasizing his current national responsibilities and disinterest in local succession politics.
Speaking candidly, Wandayi clarified that he holds no personal stake in the race to succeed him as Member of Parliament, having fully transitioned to his Cabinet role.
“None of those people running for the MP position in Ugunja is my relative. I disengaged totally from Ugunja politics the moment I was sworn in as Cabinet Secretary on 8th August 2024. I am just a voter like any other,” he stated.
Wandayi further added that his focus is now on delivering his mandate to the entire country, not engaging in constituency level political maneuvering.
His remarks appear aimed at dispelling speculation about his alleged influence or endorsements in the Ugunja race.
Political analysts view Wandayi’s statement as a strategic move to reinforce his neutrality and avoid factionalism, especially as the race to fill his former seat intensifies.
His declaration may also signal a broader shift in Kenya’s political culture where national leaders are increasingly expected to rise above local allegiances and focus on service delivery.
Odhiambo, who led a delegation of youths and women, accused Wandayi of oppressing Ugunja residents by attempting to impose Omondi on them.
He warned that such actions could spark unrest, as they undermine the people’s democratic rights.
He further criticized the ODM party for failing to update residents and aspirants on the locations of polling centers ahead of the Friday nomination exercise.
According to Odhiambo, the party has also not disclosed which voter register and presiding officers will oversee the process, despite such details being procedurally required to be in the public domain.
Residents also alleged that plans are underway to ferry voters from Gem and Ugenya constituencies to cast ballots in favor of Omondi.
“We want to urge the party to ensure that only voters whose ID cards indicate Ugunja Constituency are allowed to participate—nothing less,” Odhiambo emphasized.
He further claimed that the tallying center is already being cordoned off to favor Omondi, urging the party to relocate it to a neutral venue.
Anyango Nyaulo, another resident, echoed the concerns, warning that they will not be intimidated into abandoning their preferred candidates.
She noted that some aspirants have begun trading insults, a sign that they may be preparing for violence to influence the outcome.
“We are market women, but we want to assure any gun-toting candidate that we will send such characters home. Violence does not win votes,” Anyango declared.