Ugunja: Chaos Erupts as Gunshots Fired During By-Election Rally Attended by Gladys Wanga
The Ugunja by-election campaign took a dangerous turn on Thursday, November 20, after a political rally attended by ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga descended into violence.
Wanga had travelled to the constituency to drum up support for ODM candidate Moses Omondi ahead of the August 27 mini-poll, attracting a huge crowd of supporters.
However, the event quickly turned chaotic, raising major concerns about safety and conduct during the campaigns.
Interestingly, several senior ODM politicians from Siaya county, including Governor James Orengo, were noticeably absent from the gathering, a detail that sparked speculation among locals about possible political divisions.
Gunshots Fired as ODM Rally Turns Violent
Despite the massive turnout, the rally soon broke into confusion and panic. Gunshots were heard, and at least one person was shot, while several others sustained serious injuries as a scuffle erupted.
According to multiple online reports, trouble began when the crowd—many of whom had gathered hoping to receive handouts—became increasingly restless. This tension reportedly escalated into pushing, fighting, and eventually gunfire.
Photos shared online by TUKO.co.ke showed injured individuals bleeding heavily, while others were hurriedly transported to the hospital in an ambulance-like vehicle. The disturbing images strengthened fears that Ugunja’s peaceful campaign atmosphere was now under threat.
By-Election Candidates Condemn the Violence
Several candidates participating in the Ugunja mini-poll strongly condemned the incident. They insisted that the campaign trail had remained calm and peaceful until the arrival of Wanga and the ODM contingent.
A representative from Orodi Odhiambo, the Wiper Party candidate, claimed that the chaos reflected a worrying pattern that has previously been associated with political events involving the Homa Bay governor.
“This is the culture she promotes—a culture marked by bloodshed and disregard for human life. Now she wants to bring the same violent political behaviour to Ugunja. The people of Ugunja will not tolerate it,” the statement said.
Another candidate, Lilian Aketch, also faulted the violent confrontations. She described the scenes as unlawful, irresponsible, and a direct attack on the safety and dignity of local residents.
“No political contest gives anyone the right to injure residents or intimidate voters. Elections are supposed to be democratic—not war. People must be allowed to choose their leaders freely, without fear or interference,” she said in a Facebook post.
Link to Earlier Chaos in Kasipul
The violence in Ugunja comes barely weeks after Kasipul constituency was rocked by deadly clashes ahead of the November 27 mini-poll. In that incident, two supporters allied to independent candidate Philip Aroko lost their lives after an alleged attack, further inflaming long-standing political tensions in the region.
Reports indicated that the victims were on their way to a campaign event in Nyandiwa when they were confronted by supporters linked to Boyd Were. This confrontation turned violent, leading to fatalities and renewed hostility among rival groups.
Days later, security officers tracing suspects involved in the attack were themselves assaulted while trying to make arrests. Some individuals reportedly took refuge at the home of the late MP Ongondo Were, creating even more confusion and frustration for law enforcement.
The violent events in both Ugunja and Kasipul have raised growing concerns among residents, civil society groups, and political observers.
Many fear that unless strong action is taken, these mini-polls—originally meant to give voters a fresh democratic choice—may instead spiral into dangerous battlegrounds marked by fear, intimidation, and loss of life.
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