Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has explained why he is seeking the county’s senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Rasanga said his decade-long experience as governor has equipped him with deep knowledge that would help him effectively perform oversight duties in the Senate.

Rasanga argued that serving as governor for 10 years gave him firsthand understanding of the challenges county governments face, experience he believes would make him a stronger representative in the Senate.

“The governorship and the senatorship are domiciled together by the Constitution of Kenya, and the fact that I served for 10 years means that I know a lot about the governorship, which can assist in the senatorship,” Rasanga stated.

The former county boss said his experience in managing county affairs places him in a unique position to contribute meaningfully to debates surrounding devolution, county oversight, and resource allocation.

Under Kenya’s Constitution, senators play a critical role in protecting the interests of counties, overseeing county governments, and participating in the lawmaking process affecting devolved units.

Rasanga served for two terms as Siaya governor between 2013 and 2022.

Battle with Oburu

Rasanga’s decision to seek the Siaya senatorial seat sets up a direct contest with incumbent senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga in what is fast emerging as a defining race within the party stronghold.

The expected fierce battle between Rasanga and Oburu will start from the ODM nominations.

The ODM Party has already opened its expression of interest process for the 2027 General Elections, inviting party members to apply for all elective positions, including the presidency.

In a notice issued by the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) and shared via the party’s official social media accounts on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, ODM called on qualified and interested members to submit applications for party tickets across all levels of leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.

Notably, the expression of interest process includes the highly anticipated presidential ticket, opening the door for party members who may wish to contest for the top office on an ODM ticket, despite the party being in a broad-based government arrangement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with talks still ongoing for a possible pre-election coalition agreement.