Siaya: Race to Replace Wandayi in Ugunja Heats Up

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The battle to inherit Ugunja Constituency parliamentary seat is heating up with more than ten contestants already confirmed to be in the race.

Frederick Oyugi Dor of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party enjoys headstart advantage having vied against the outgoing MP now Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi in the last General Elections and posted impressive returns.

Rumours and speculation abound over who is a worthy successor of James Opiyo Wandayi (center). Photo | donated

Martin Edwin Otieno, the Ugunja Ward MCA and Ugunja Constituency Office Manager, Moses Omondi also enjoy some reasonable following and may pose credible opposition should either land the goodwill of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.

But since UDA and ODM have recently become strange bedfellows there’s a likelihood that the focus in Ugunja this time will be on an independent candidate, or at least one from the minor political parties. Here the clear frontrunner would be Chris Budo, a politician who confesses to be a Social Democratic with ties to MDG Party, but one whom pundits believe could be more relevant as an independent.

The list stretches on and on with most contestants being novices merely out to earn some publicity and have a good time. This list includes Engineer Frederick ZB Owino, Dr. Fred Otieno (of EPRA), Sam Okeyo (an ex-soldier), businessman Otieno Alur and Sigomre Ward MCA Andrew Omwende.

The yet-to-be-verified list stretches to some seventeen odd contestants.

The Ugunja parliamentary seat became vacant following the resignation of James Opiyo Wandayi who was the constituency’s first MP since when Ugunja was hived-off from Ugenya in 2012. The Constituency covers a mere three Wards: Sigomre, Sidindi and Ugunja. Little wonder that two MCAs are in the race.

Mr. Wandayi went on to serve as MP for 12 uninterrupted years. During his illustrious tenure as an individual, the ODM Party suffered waning popularity with the neighbouring Ugenya Constituency finally electing MDG Party leader David Ochieng.

So, if the UDA candidate Oyugi Dor fails to capture the imagination of the youthful voters and ODM’s popularity continues to decline the man to watch in the Ugunja race is Chris Budo.

As a politician Budo is listed among the newcomers but as a public figure engaged in development Chris Budo is a household brand. He is closely associated with pioneering the ever-growing avocado farming across Siaya County.

Chris Budo is known for his organizational acumen and flair to run farming enterprises, especially the highly successful avocado farming in Siaya County. Photo | Facebook

Chris Budo also runs successful farming enterprises within Ugunja Constituency including the famed Ombwede Fisheries. There’s no need to point out that he’s been severally mentioned by the media as patron of a children’s home.

All eyes will be set on Ugunja, starting tomorrow as the President of the Republic of Kenya tours the Constituency to initiate development projects and attend the homecoming ceremony of James Opiyo Wandayi who has been elevated to a Minister.