Ugenya decides today: Why two candidates eyeing Ugenya seat will not vote

**Global Peace Kenya Country Director Daniel Juma [Photos courtesy]**

Two candidates eyeing the Ugenya parliamentary seat will not vote in today's by-election.

The Standard has learnt that Daniel Juma - who is contesting on a Grand Dream Development Party ticket, and Brian Omondi of Third Way Alliance, are registered in Nairobi.

The two will face off with former MP David Ochieng' and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Christopher Karan.

**Brian Omondi,** **new** **entrant in Ugenya parliamentary** **by election****.[Photos courtesy]**

Yesterday, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) returning officer Vincent Saitabau confirmed that the two were not registered in Ugenya.

"The fact that they are not registered voters in Ugenya does not affect their candidacy since the law allows Kenyans to contest anywhere in the country," said Mr Saitabau.

Both Mr Juma and Mr Omondi have been campaigning in the constituency but their campaigns have been low-key as the contest shaped up to be a two-horse race pitting Mr Ochieng' against Mr Karan.

By yesterday evening, IEBC had dispatched electoral materials to all 112 polling stations in the Constituency. Ugenya has 57,603 registered voters.

Security was also beefed up, with the commission saying it had sealed all loopholes.

"We have trained our officials well and we will ensure the elections are credible," said Mr Saitabau.

At least two officers will be deployed in each of the polling stations. IEBC has assure Kenyans that all polling stations have been adequately secured.

Ugenya Deputy County Commissioner Pamela Otieno said security was guaranteed. "We are pleased to announce that rallies have been peaceful so far. This is very good," she said.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi, Siaya Senator James Orengo and party Director for Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi have asked voters to turn out in large numbers to ensure their candidate wins.

Mr Orengo and Mr Wandayi claimed a vote for Mr Karan would fortify ODM's grassroots strength and also boost the party's voting strength in Parliament. "We want each voter to convince at least three people to come with them to polling stations," said Wandayi.