Wandayi’s CDF Manager Wins ODM Ticket to Succeed Him as Ugunja MP

Nairobi, Kenya — September 27, 2025 (EAT). Moses Okoth, long-time Constituency Development Fund (CDF) manager for outgoing Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, has clinched the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket to contest the Ugunja parliamentary seat in the upcoming November 27 by-elections.

The Latest

Okoth’s nomination was confirmed by ODM’s National Elections Board after competitive internal vetting. The seat fell vacant after Wandayi, the current National Assembly Minority Leader, announced his intention to focus on national politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

The ODM ticket is widely viewed as a frontrunner in Ugunja, a party stronghold in Siaya County.

Context in Brief

• Opiyo Wandayi has represented Ugunja since 2013 and rose to become Minority Leader in the National Assembly after the 2022 elections.

• His tenure has been marked by infrastructural projects funded through the NG-CDF, making his endorsement in succession politics a significant factor.

• ODM’s dominance in Nyanza politics means the party primaries often shape the final electoral outcome.

Stakeholder Reactions

• ODM National Chairperson John Mbadi congratulated Okoth, calling his nomination “a testament to service delivery and grassroots connection.”

• Local leaders said Okoth’s close ties to Wandayi’s development agenda could give him an early advantage in the campaigns.

• Political analysts, however, warned of possible independent candidates exploiting internal ODM dissent, especially if defeated aspirants feel sidelined.

Why It Matters

• The by-election will test ODM’s grip in Siaya amid shifting political coalitions at the national level.

• Victory for Okoth would likely ensure continuity of Wandayi’s development legacy in Ugunja while strengthening ODM’s legislative presence.

What’s Next

• Official campaign schedules will be released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)next week.

• ODM has pledged transparent campaigns amid rising scrutiny over internal party democracy.