IEBC clears 11 candidates for Ugunja by-election

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially cleared eleven candidates to contest in the upcoming Ugunja Parliamentary seat by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.

On Wednesday, the commission approved the candidacies of Benson Obol Otieno (United Green Movement), Erick Ofiro (Jubilee Party), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Fredrick Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), and Oliver Ochieng’ (National Liberal Party).

On Thursday, six more candidates received clearance: Lilian Akinyi (National Alliance Party), Moses Omondi (Orange Democratic Movement), Orodi Odhiambo (Wiper Democratic Movement), Maurice Okumu (Liberal Party of Kenya), and Chris Budo (KANU).

IEBC Commissioner Mary Caren Sorobit, who was in Ugunja to oversee the registration process, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible by-election in the constituency.

She urged all cleared candidates to promote peace throughout the campaign period, not only in Ugunja but also in other regions preparing for by-elections. These include Baringo County, which will hold a senatorial by-election, and six constituencies: Banisa, Embu, Magarini, Malava, and Kasipul.

Each candidate, upon clearance, pledged to maintain peace and decorum during the campaign season.

All eleven candidates are expected to return to the IEBC offices on Friday to sign the electoral code of conduct. During this session, they will also receive a harmonised campaign schedule.