The race to succeed Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o in 2027 is steadily taking shape, with the lakeside county witnessing heightened political activity as aspirants crisscross villages and institutions to popularise their bids.
With Governor Nyong’o serving his second and final term, the contest for Kisumu’s top seat has opened early, drawing seasoned politicians and new entrants alike into what is shaping up to be a crowded and highly competitive field.
Within the ODM, at least six prominent figures are already angling for the party’s governor ticket.
They include Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga.
The growing list underscores the intensity of the succession battle inside ODM, which has traditionally dominated Kisumu politics.
Aspirants are increasingly visible at funerals, church gatherings, community fundraisers and professional forums, using the platforms to outline their visions for the county and consolidate grassroots support.
Beyond ODM, former Kisumu Central MP and ex–Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura has also declared his intention to vie for governor as an independent candidate, a move that has further stirred political debate across the county.
Obura’s entry has been welcomed by some leaders and supporters who argue that Kisumu needs fresh energy and a shift in governance style.
Obura said 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.
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.
Another candidate is Rodgers Okeya, bringing with him his background as an auditor in the office of the Auditor General and his experience as a businessman.
He is yet to declare the party he will contest under.
Okeya’s entry marks the beginning of a possible journey to transform Kisumu from perennial underperformance to the full realisation of its economic potential.
Okeya has also been active on the ground, engaging youth groups, professionals and opinion leaders as he weighs his political options ahead of 2027.
His campaign aims to empower youths through job creation and to transform Kisumu via a model he calls economic patriotism, rooted in integrity, justice and dedication to work.
Okeya emphasised that focused efforts on these three pillars could lead to significant county development.
Oron on the other hand, recently got a boost as the Kano community threw its weight behind him ahead of the 2027 elections.
Representatives from 13 clans of the Kano community convened a meeting in Nyando on Thursday, where they unanimously affirmed their support for Oron, lauding his long-standing commitment to community development and service delivery.
The elders said their decision was informed by Oron’s proven track record in promoting education, health and access to clean water, achievements they said began long before he joined active politics.
Ruth on the other hand has always called on elected leaders to focus on delivering their mandates before seeking re-election or gunning for higher positions.
Ruth has in the past emphasised that political leadership must be measured by tangible service to the people.
“Before anyone can seek a higher office, they must first deliver fully on the mandate they have been given,” she said.
As the field expands, questions are already emerging about how ODM will manage the crowded contest to avoid internal divisions.
Before his death, party leader Raila Odinga had previously indicated that consultations among aspirants could be key to maintaining unity in the party’s stronghold.
“Eventually, we can only have one ODM candidate for governor. I plan to meet all the aspirants and agree on who should carry our banner,” Raila had said.
However, residents hope that this will be done by the current party leader, Oburu Odinga, ahead of the elections for ODM party members.
With more than one year to the general election, alliances remain fluid, and the list of contenders is expected to grow.
For now, Kisumu’s political landscape is in campaign mode, with the battle for the governorship already taking centre stage across the lakeside county.
