Ugenya MP David Ochieng has stated that he does not need Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga’s endorsement to become the next governor of Siaya County.

Speaking during an empowerment programme in Ulamba, Gem Constituency, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the MP, who has repeatedly defied political odds by winning elections on the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) Party ticket instead of ODM, maintained that he does not need any political party or individual to secure the county’s top seat.

“I believe I have the capacity, the ability and the competence,” Ochieng told supporters. “I don’t need any party. I don’t need ODM; I don’t need Oburu or anybody. I just need the people who are here with me today.”

The Siaya gubernatorial hopeful continued with his sharp remarks, saying the only thing he needs is the support of the people of Siaya County and not the backing of any individual or political party to ascend to the governorship.

He further called for fairness in the gubernatorial contest, urging that every candidate be allowed to face the electorate without influential personalities holding anyone’s hand to sway or impose a preferred leader on the people.

Ochieng extended the same call to other counties in the Luo Nyanza region, citing Kisumu, where he said Professor Tom Ojienda should be allowed to square it out fairly with Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga without any interference.

His remarks come at a time when the Siaya gubernatorial race is beginning to take shape, with Kenya Sugar Board Chairman Nicholas Gumbo declaring his interest in the seat. Gumbo recently rejoined the Orange Democratic Movement after quitting the party following the disputed 2022 nominations, which he accused of being unfair and favouring incumbent Governor James Orengo.

ODM backs gumbo

Following his return, Gumbo is now widely viewed as the ODM establishment’s preferred candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The race also comes at a time when sections of the ODM leadership are keen on ensuring that incumbent Governor James Orengo, who has publicly criticised Oburu Odinga and the party’s recent political direction, does not secure a second term.

The political contest intensified after leaders allied to the ODM leadership, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, publicly backed Nicholas Gumbo as Orengo’s possible successor.

Opiyo slams Orengo.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also criticised Orengo, accusing him of neglecting county affairs in favour of opposition politics. Wandayi claimed that Siaya County is effectively being run by Deputy Governor William Oduol and cast doubt on Orengo’s chances of re-election, saying he does not know who the next governor of Siaya will be, but he is certain it will not be Orengo.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor William Oduol, whose relationship with Governor Orengo has been strained for the better part of the current term, has also declared his interest in the Siaya governorship, setting the stage for a highly competitive race ahead of the 2027 General Election.