By Dickson Odhiambo
There is a need to consider regional balance in Kisumu County’s elective positions as alignments and realignments take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The first governor of Kisumu County, Jack Nyanungo Ranguma came from Kadibo in the Kano clan, while his Deputy, Ruth Odinga (current Kisumu County Women Representative) hails from Kisumu West.
The Senate seat in 2013 went to Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o of the Seme clan. Nyong’o is in his second and last term as Kisumu governor. Kisumu’s first Women Representative was Rose Ogendo Nyamunga, from Nyando.
Dr. Mathews Ochieng Owili from Nyakach continues to serve as Nyong’o’s deputy, having been first elected in 2017, and re-elected in 2022.
Nyakach also produced the Senator, Tom Odhiambo Ojienda, who took over from Fred Outa.
Outa, from Nyando is now Kenya’s Ambassador to Egypt. After he bowed out of elective politics in 2022, the constituency did not benefit from Kisumu County’s political leadership arrangements.
As we head to 2027, Nyando seems to be fit to occupy the deputy governor’s seat. Former County Secretary John Ochieng Auma is reportedly angling for the seat.
Although Dr Joshua Oron, the current Kisumu Central Member of Parliament (MP) who hails from Nyando is eyeing the governor's seat in 2027, the larger Kano clan should be fully involved in political arrangements of 2027.
John Olago Aluoch, is a seasoned legislator who served as Kisumu West MP for three consecutive terms. He is reportedly poised to become the next Senator.
With greater understanding of devolution and vast knowledge in matters of law, he stands a big chance.
Joshua Aduma Owuor who is serving his third term as Nyakach MP, has vast political experience spanning more than 30 years.
Having been a Town Clerk in many towns including Nairobi City, he understands the management of Counties and therefore is best suited to become the next governor of the great county of Kisumu. Aduma hails from Nyakach Sub County.
He would make a good political partnership with John Ochieng Auma who has roots in Nyando. Auma is an astute administrator of international and local repute.
Residents of Nyakach Sub County, to a large extent, believe it is their turn to produce the County’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with Kano and Seme clans having produced the first two governors.
Nyong'o's Deputy Dr Mathews Owili is eyeing the coveted seat to succeed his boss. Professor Tom Odhiambo Ojienda, is also seeking to become Kisumu’s third governor.
On the other hand, Rosa Akinyi Buyu, the current Kisumu West MP is the only woman reportedly eyeing the gubernatorial seat.
If her ambitions come true, she will become the first Lady governor in Kisumu, and perhaps the second in Nyanza after Homabay’s Gladys Wanga.
The writer is a freelance journalist based in Kisumu. He is the pioneer chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN). Reach him via: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kisumu: There’s a need to consider regional balance ahead of 2027 polls
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