Former England Soldier Sam Okoyo Seeks to Revolutionize Politics in Ugunja

Former British soldier Sam Okoyo/Photo courtesy/

Sam Okoyo, a former British soldier and the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the UK, is setting his sights on the Ugunja Constituency MP seat.

With a background in military service and extensive experience in the insurance sector, Okoyo seeks to bring change to Ugunja.

Okoyo previously aimed to challenge Opiyo Wandayi, the then-Ugunja MP and current CS for Energy and Petroleum, during the 2022 general elections. However, he ultimately supported Mr. Wandayi, who secured a third term.

The insurance guru has focused on uplifting the community through various initiatives.

He established the Sam Okoyo Resource Center in 2022 with a sole purpose of providing scholarships for vulnerable children, empowering women and youth through a poultry farming initiative dubbed “Kuku ni Pesa,” and promoting financial inclusion through table banking programs.

Born to Richard Okoth, a former Senior Chief and current Chair of the Luo Council of Elders in Siaya County, Sam began his education at Ambira Primary School before proceeding to Vihiga High School for his secondary education.

He moved to the UK in 2004 for further studies and later joined the British Army, serving for eight years, including in the Gulf War.

After his military service, he worked with Lloyd’s of London and various syndicates.

Okoyo holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management and Finance from the University of East London and an LLM in Insurance Law from Queen Mary University of London. He is an Associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute in the UK.

He also led the National Super Alliance as Chief Executive Officer for the diaspora chapter.

Honored for his military service, Okoyo received the Iraq War Medal Without Clasp and Her Majesty and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. He is committed to sustainable community empowerment and believes his diverse background makes him a strong candidate for Ugunja’s MP.

The seat became vacant following Opiyo Wandayi’s appointment as CS, prompting a competitive race for the position. Other candidates include Ugunja CDF manager Moses Omondi, Oyugi Dor, Engineer Frederick ZB Owino, Joseph Alur, and Engineer Vincent Chengo.