Who's who in the contest to succeed Wandayi

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, flanked by PS Petroleum Mohamed Liban, during a media briefingto announce the Government's approval of the South Lokichar Field Development Plan (FDP).[Benard Orwongo/Standard]

The Ugunja Constituency polls have drawn eleven candidates, one a woman.

The race is increasingly shaping into a battle between established parties and emerging political movements

Lilian Aketch, running on the Alliance for Real Change Party, centres her campaign on youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, and community-level development.

For Moses Omondi, the ODM candidate, he is seeking to benefit from longstanding ODM dominance. His campaigns emphasise continuity in infrastructure development and party backing from national leadership.

Omondi served as the constituency manager for former MP Opiyo Wandayi. 

Chris Budo of Kanu has established his campaign on transparency, youth empowerment, and fresh leadership. A businessman, he recently left DAP-K.

Wiper Party candidate Orodi Odhiambo, an engineer specialising in water and energy use, is focusing on infrastructure and accountability.

Benson Obol Otieno of United Green Movement, who is beng backed by retired Chief Justice David Maraga, is advocating for environmental justice and good governance.

Another candidate, Dr Maurice Okumu of the Liberal Party of Kenya, is a lawyer specialising in devolution law.

He has lectured at the Kenyatta University and the Mount Kenya University, and is pitching his legal and governance credentials.

Young contenders Erick Ofiro (Jubilee) and Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja Party) are running on platforms of fairness and equitable distribution of resources.

Fredrick Ochiel of the United Democratic Movement is looking forward to accelerating development delivery and improving public services, particularly in marginalised wards.

National Liberal Party's Oliver Ochieng is focused on strengthening small businesses and community representation in national policy.  

According to observers, the race is being shaped by a number of factors, among them service delivery and infrastructure.

"With violence witnessed last week and the high number of candidates, turnout will likely decide the outcome," said Peter Omollo, a resident of Sidindi ward.

The Thursday polls will be conducted in at least 60 polling stations across the three wards, Ugunja, Sigomre and Sidindi.