By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 22 November 2025 - Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s visit to Ugunja has injected fresh momentum into the constituency’s upcoming by-election, signalling a wider political strategy that extends well beyond the 27 November 2025 vote.
His decision to campaign personally for Eng Johannes Orodi Odhiambo underscores how seriously Wiper is taking this contest, viewing it as both a constituency-level battle and a test of the party’s growing national ambitions.
The Ugunja parliamentary seat became vacant after Opiyo Wandayi, the former MP, was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Energy, triggering an unusually competitive race involving multiple parties.
Among the candidates, Orodi has emerged as one of the strongest contenders, bolstered by a grassroots campaign centred on door-to-door outreach and a visible community presence.
His development track record — from improving access to water and electricity to supporting vulnerable learners — has been central to his message and appears to resonate across Ugunja’s three wards.
Musyoka’s entry into the campaign has heightened the contest’s intensity.
Spending several hours touring Sidindi, Sigomere, and Ugunja wards, he framed Orodi’s candidacy as part of a broader effort to build a new political foothold in Nyanza.
Party officials accompanying him described the region as increasingly receptive to Wiper, interpreting the enthusiastic reception as evidence of shifting political dynamics that could disrupt traditional voting patterns.
At the same time, Wiper’s mobilisation in Ugunja reflects a calculated long-term strategy.
By investing heavily in this by-election, the party appears to be testing the waters ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly as it seeks to expand beyond its established strongholds.
A victory in Ugunja would not only secure a parliamentary seat, but also deliver a symbolic triumph, demonstrating Wiper’s appeal in regions previously dominated by rival political formations, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in this particular case.
Yet the strategy carries risks.
The ballot features a crowded field, and defeat could undermine the narrative of Wiper’s expansion.
It might also invite questions about whether the party’s ambitions are outpacing its organisational capacity, especially given its involvement in several by-elections across the country.
The intensity of Musyoka’s personal involvement has raised expectations, thereby increasing the stakes if the result falls short of projections.
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The Ugunja campaign is also unfolding against a backdrop of shifting opposition politics nationally.
Musyoka has recently faced speculation about possible political realignments, with some suggesting new alliances.
He has publicly dismissed such claims, insisting that Wiper remains firmly independent and committed to strengthening its own identity.
His assertiveness on this issue, combined with visible engagement in key races such as Ugunja, points to a leader determined to position himself as a central figure in the opposition space.
Within the constituency, the presence of a national political figure has energised local supporters and drawn renewed attention to the by-election.
Orodi’s team has portrayed the campaign as a genuine grassroots movement for change, emphasising that the candidate’s development work predates the election and reflects a long-standing commitment to the community.
Supporters argue that this track record, backed by Wiper’s national support, gives him a strong advantage as polling day approaches.
For Musyoka, Ugunja represents more than an opportunity to boost a party candidate.
It is a chance to demonstrate political reach, test organisational strength in a competitive setting, and reinforce his relevance in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Success here would bolster Wiper’s narrative of national growth while enhancing Musyoka’s stature as he prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Ultimately, the Ugunja by-election serves as both a local contest and a barometer of broader political currents.
The result will reveal whether Wiper’s intensified engagement can translate into electoral gains — and whether Musyoka’s strategic gamble to invest heavily in this seat will pay dividends in the longer term.
