By Erestinah Jane | June 30, 2026
Ruth Odinga has officially declared her candidacy for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, confirming she will seek to succeed outgoing Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is serving his second and final constitutional term.
The announcement ends months of speculation over her political future and sets up what is expected to be one of the most competitive nomination battles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking while unveiling her political agenda, Odinga said her campaign would focus on strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and transforming Kisumu’s economy through prudent financial management.
She pledged to eliminate what she described as the entrenched culture of political handouts, arguing that sustainable development can only be achieved through accountable leadership and economic empowerment rather than short-term incentives.
Odinga also promised to modernize the county’s revenue collection systems through digitisation, saying the move would enhance transparency, reduce revenue leakages and improve the county’s capacity to finance development projects.
Her entry into the race significantly reshapes the contest, which already features several prominent political figures seeking the ODM ticket.
Among them is Mathews Owili, who is banking on his experience in the county executive and close involvement in the current administration to position himself as Governor Nyong’o’s natural successor.
Also in the race is Tom Ojienda, whose campaign is expected to draw on his legal expertise, academic credentials and legislative record in the Senate.
Joshua Oron is also seeking the seat, hoping to leverage support from the county’s influential urban electorate and his experience in Parliament.
Former East African Legislative Assembly member Ken Obura has also joined the contest after previously mounting unsuccessful bids for the county’s top seat.
Political analysts expect the ODM nomination to be fiercely contested, with the winner widely considered the favourite to become Kisumu’s next governor given the party’s longstanding dominance in the county.
Odinga enters the race with extensive experience in public service, having served as Kisumu’s first Deputy Governor between 2013 and 2017. She is also the daughter of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a legacy that has made her one of the most recognisable political figures in the region.
The race to replace Governor Nyong’o is expected to intensify over the coming months as aspirants step up grassroots mobilisation and seek to consolidate support ahead of ODM’s nomination process.
