With two years still to go before the general election, Kisumu County has emerged as an early battleground for the 2027 governor’s seat, with active aspirations already reshaping local politics. 

Each weekend, aspirants’ fundraising events, community engagement forums, and politically charged funerals have become focal points in what locals describe as an “early election” campaign atmosphere. 

In the frontline is Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, who has launched his campaign quietly but effectively, leveraging ODM’s party recruitment drive and rallying supporters in Nyakach, his home turf and across the 35 wards that dot the county. 

He has positioned himself as the frontrunner from the region, declaring, “The seat of the Governor must be occupied by somebody from Nyakach, and he is none other than Dr Mathews Owili” after incumbent governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o’s second term expires in August 2027.  

Strategic intent 

His assertive outreach across county wards signals his strategic intent to build a winning political network and streak amid stiff opposition from other aspirants. 

But Owili’s footing in Nyakach has been fiercely challenged by MP Aduma Owuor.

Owuor publicly rebuked him at a funeral, at the weekend, demanding accountability: “Owili should tell us what he has done with his position … before seeking the governor position. We made him who he is and he must account for his work in office,” declared Owuor.  

The public clash highlights a simmering intra-county rivalry that could shape the early primary landscape in the lakeside city. But even as Owili and Aduma battle to outshine each other, Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda has also entered the fray with robust grassroots engagement across constituencies in Kisumu.  

Community initiatives 

Ojienda has built his appeal through funding community initiatives and meeting youth and women’s groups on weekends. As he put it, “If it wasn’t for the things I do … with cash from my pocket, I would not be as popular as I am in Kisumu today.” 

Ojienda’s approach blends philanthropy with visibility and seems calculated to resonate beyond Nyakach’s home turf.

Similarly, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron has made it a personal resolve and initiative to appear at local gatherings throughout the county almost each day through his supporters. 

Observers note that he has become “a familiar face at fundraisers and funerals across all 35 wards”, suggesting his ambition to build a broad support base. 

“I’m the most popular candidates whose leadership values resonates with the people. I am confident I will win this seat by a landslide,” said Oron. 

Former MP and ex-CAS Ken Obura has added his voice to the emerging field. He has secured backing from senior ODM grassroots leaders led by Obungu Owich and vowed to offer a more inclusive leadership.  

Obura sharply criticised the current county administration, stating, “Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o’s regime has failed to deliver diligent services to Kisumu people” and is promising “a very consultative leadership … policy that is responsive.”