Moses Omondi Okoth, carrying the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, has decisively won the Ugunja parliamentary by-election, securing the seat long held by his predecessor and former boss, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The victory, however, arrives against a backdrop of profound voter indifference. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed a voter turnout of only 24.98%, meaning three out of every four registered voters stayed home. This stark figure transforms a straightforward political win into a complex signal from an electorate that appears increasingly disengaged.

A Win Marred by Silence

Mr. Omondi garnered 9,437 votes, creating a vast gap between him and his closest competitors. Official results announced at the Ambira High School tallying centre placed Orodi Odhiambo of the Wiper Party in a distant second with 1,819 votes, followed by Fredrick Ochiel of the United Democratic Movement with 1,200 votes. The by-election was necessitated by the appointment of former MP Opiyo Wandayi to the cabinet.

While the ODM party machinery secured the expected outcome, the silence from the electorate was deafening. Throughout Thursday, polling stations across the constituency's 60,114 registered voters remained largely deserted. IEBC officials and even the candidates themselves openly expressed concern over the low numbers. For the ordinary Ugunja resident, the result raises a critical question: how does this new leadership, elected by a small fraction of the populace, address the pressing needs of putting food on the table and securing a better future?

From Constituency Manager to MP

Mr. Omondi is no stranger to the workings of Ugunja. Having served for 13 years as the constituency manager under Mr. Wandayi, he is intimately familiar with the area's development agenda. His campaign promised continuity, focusing on advancing ongoing projects in infrastructure and education. Leaders campaigning for him, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, pledged to guide him in securing national resources for local projects like roads and markets.

His supporters see his victory as a mandate to continue the work started by Wandayi. However, the low turnout suggests a disconnect between the political class and the daily struggles of the people. Analysts note that such voter apathy can be interpreted as a passive protest or a 'vote of no confidence' in the political system's ability to deliver tangible change.

• Winner: Moses Omondi Okoth (ODM) - 9,437 votes
• Runner-up: Orodi Odhiambo (Wiper) - 1,819 votes
• Third Place: Fredrick Ochiel (UDM) - 1,200 votes
• Registered Voters: 60,114
• Total Votes Cast: 15,017
• Voter Turnout: 24.98%

In his victory speech, the MP-elect acknowledged the low participation but extended an olive branch to his rivals. "I thank Ugunja residents for taking their time and coming out, though they didn't turn up as we expected," Omondi stated. "I ask my competitors to join me and let's work together so that Ugunja can continue to grow."

The challenge for Mr. Omondi now lies not in the legitimacy of his win, but in his ability to energize and convince the 45,000 voters who stayed away that his leadership will directly impact their lives. His term will be a test of whether continuity can inspire confidence where political tradition seemingly failed to.