Kisumu gubernatorial candidate Ken Obura addressing a crowd in Katito, Nyakach Constituency, Kisumu county./FAITH MATETE
Former Chief Administrative Secretary and ex–Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura has declared his intention to run for the Kisumu governorship in 2027 as an independent candidate, setting the stage for a fierce political contest in a county long dominated by party politics.
Obura noted that his candidature would be people-driven rather than party-sponsored.
He said his decision to shun both ODM and UDA was deliberate, arguing that party nominations often disadvantage popular candidates and weaken accountability once leaders are elected.
Speaking before a large crowd in Katito, Nyakach Constituency, the former legislator told residents that speculation linking him to a UDA ticket was unfounded.
“I will be on the ballot as an independent candidate, and the propaganda about party zoning is dead on arrival,” Obura said.
He noted that he was ready to face any candidate fielded by major parties in what he termed an “epic duel” for the county’s top seat.
The former MP accused elected leaders of prioritising party loyalty over public service, claiming this had contributed to poor governance in the county.
He noted that there were persistent service delivery challenges in Kisumu County, claiming that Members of County Assembly elected on ODM tickets had failed to effectively oversee Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration.
Obura has anchored his campaign on key sectors, with health emerging as a central pillar of his agenda, alongside the environment, education, agriculture, and roads.
Obura pointed to heaps of garbage in major markets, arguing that poor waste management was making trading centres unattractive and unhealthy.
He pledged to streamline garbage collection and improve sanitation to support small-scale traders and promote public health.
He also decried the state of agriculture in the county, saying farmers had been left without adequate support to boost food production.
Obura promised targeted interventions to help farmers produce enough food for household consumption and surplus for markets, while also criticising the poor road network despite allocations from the national exchequer.
He said improved roads would ease transport and reduce maintenance costs for boda boda operators and other road users.
“I will fix our roads so that our boda-boda operators stop incurring losses from constant breakdowns,” he said.
Obura clarified that while he would not campaign for any other candidate at the county level, he would support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
He said his focus would remain on securing votes for himself while allowing voters the freedom to choose leaders at other levels.
His personal assistant, Nyaori Nyang, echoed Obura’s sentiments, telling the gathering that the 2027 elections would be about leadership qualities rather than party affiliations.
He noted that Kisumu residents had been disappointed by party politics and needed a governor who was accessible and responsive to local needs.
“This election is about personality and service, not party labels, and Obura has what it takes to turn Kisumu around,” Nyang said.
As the 2027 race slowly takes shape, Obura’s independent bid introduces a new dynamic into Kisumu’s political landscape, challenging long-held assumptions about party dominance and signalling a potentially competitive contest ahead.
