Bitterness in Ugunja: ODM Allies Accused of Intimidation as Independent Candidates Surpass Imposed Party Nominee Ahead of the Election

Tension is escalating in Ugunja Constituency following reports of intimidation and politically motivated attacks targeting independent candidates who broke away from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after a controversial and highly contested nomination process.

Independent candidate Vincent Olengo Kwach reported that his family was attacked on Saturday morning at their village home by a group of individuals believed to be politically sponsored and identifying themselves with ODM. The attackers were described as organized and confrontational, and their actions have sparked widespread concern across Ugunja.

Vincent Olengo Kwach, independent candidate in Ugunja Constituency, addressing residents at Ugunja

Mr. Kwach stated that the harassment against him and his supporters began shortly after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared him to run for office. The situation reportedly worsened after his campaign posters were distributed across the constituency.

“Since the day I was cleared to run, my family and I have faced repeated intimidation. The situation worsened after my campaign posters were distributed,” said Mr. Kwach.

He added that several known individuals from Ugunja Ward have been spotted trailing his movements and monitoring businesses associated with his supporters, creating a climate of fear and insecurity.

The latest wave of intimidation comes against the backdrop of what many observers have called petty and manipulated ODM nominations, which were marred by favoritism and interference from powerful political figures. According to multiple sources, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who also serves as the current and former Member of Parliament for Ugunja, allegedly influenced the party to impose his relative as the ODM candidate.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi (right) with the ODM candidate who is his relative. The controversial nomination has been criticized as biased and undemocratic by local leaders.

Local leaders say the decision angered residents who felt that the nomination process ignored the will of the people and sidelined credible aspirants. The growing unpopularity of the imposed candidate has reportedly left ODM leadership anxious, with claims emerging that the party is now using political networks and state machinery to intimidate independent candidates viewed as a threat.

Frustrated by what they described as an undemocratic and predetermined process, several aspirants, including Vincent Olengo Kwach and Lillyanne Aketch, chose to run as independent candidates. Since then, both have faced consistent interference from groups believed to be linked to ODM operatives.

“Our posters are being destroyed and our volunteers threatened. This is an attempt to silence alternative voices,” said Lillyanne Aketch, whose campaign team was recently harassed while putting up posters in several parts of the constituency.

Campaign poster of independent candidate Lillyanne Aketch. Her team has faced repeated harassment and destruction of campaign materials by individuals believed to be aligned with ODM.

Despite continued provocation, both candidates have maintained a firm stance on peace and lawful conduct.

 “We believe in peace. Violence cannot be part of Ugunja’s future,” said Mr. Kwach.

He confirmed that video evidence of the attacks and surveillance activities has been documented and will be presented to the relevant authorities, including the IEBC and the security agencies.

The two candidates have appealed to the government to take swift action to guarantee the safety of all aspirants and ensure a fair and peaceful political environment in Ugunja.

  “This election should be about ideas, not intimidation,” said Ms. Aketch.

Political analysts now say that the growing popularity of independent candidates has unsettled ODM’s local structures, creating anxiety within the party’s leadership. With the electorate expressing dissatisfaction over the party’s internal politics, Ugunja is emerging as a key battleground where independent voices are challenging long-standing political dominance.

Residents interviewed by this newsroom criticized the ODM nominations as petty, biased, and unrepresentative, noting that the party’s leadership appeared more concerned with loyalty than competence. The unfolding events have turned Ugunja into a test case for political tolerance and democracy ahead of the upcoming elections.