ODM Team Led by Gladys Wanga Bribes Voters for Moses Omondi, Chaos Erupts

Political tension in Ugunja Constituency hit unprecedented levels today as ODM officials, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, descended on Kinda Village, the home of Edwin Otieno (Lord), MCA for Ugunja Ward, for what locals describe as a full-blown cash-for-votes operation.

The beneficiary? Moses Omondi, widely criticized by residents as imposed on the people by his relative, CS Opiyo Wandayi, the former Ugunja MP.

Injured residents after chaos and gunfire broke out during the ODM campaign in Ugunja. (Source: Kenyan digest)

Cash, Chaos, and Crowds Scrambling

Campaign operatives were handing out stacks of fresh KSh 200 notes, sparking pandemonium as villagers scrambled for the money. One local vividly described the scene:

“Watu walipewa pesa, noti za miambili mpya kutoka CBK. Ziliisha, wakaenda kwa helicopter kuchukua pesa zingine. Bag ilikuwa imejaa pesa.”

Another resident said:

“Watu walipigwa risasi, na nikama wawili wamekufa saa hii tu hapa, na wanataka kuficha.”

And yet another commented:

“Pesa zilikuwa zikienda kila upande, watu walikuwa wakiangushana, kila mtu alitaka kupata. Ni aibu kuona kampeni ya kisiasa ikageuka kuwa hivi.”

Gunshots and Tragedy

Amid the chaos, gunshots rang out, sending villagers fleeing for their lives.

Reports indicate serious injuries, and locals fear two people may have already died, with attempts underway to conceal the incident.

Police officers were seen firing live rounds as they tried to restore order.

Injured residents after chaos and gunfire broke out during the ODM campaign in Ugunja.

Political Imposition, Not Democracy

Residents are furious over the apparent imposition of Moses Omondi, noting that top ODM leadership, including Governor Gladys Wanga, actively participated in the cash handouts.

Many believe this campaign is less about voter choice and more about power plays orchestrated by CS Opiyo Wandayi and his network.

Gladys Wanga arrives in Ugunja, welcomed by Moses, the ODM-imposed candidate at the center of local tension.

Calls for IEBC Intervention

Ugunja residents are demanding accountability and a full investigation by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Concerns include:

• Blatant distribution of money to influence votes

• Police use of force against residents

• Active involvement of top ODM officials in coercing voters

As tensions rise, the message from Ugunja is clear: free and fair elections must prevail, without intimidation, bribery, or political imposition.

The question now: will ODM leadership be held accountable, or will the chaos be swept under the rug?

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