Kisumu: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots leaders in Kisumu County have endorsed Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili as the preferred successor to Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, signaling the start of a heated succession race as the party reorganizes following the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga. With Governor Nyong’o serving his final term, succession politics in the lakeside county have begun to crystallize.
According to Kenya News Agency, the grassroots leaders, drawn from eight sub-counties, held their first major consultative meeting since Raila Odinga’s passing, an event they described as a moment of transition, reflection, and political reorganization. The leaders unanimously declared that Dr. Owili, Nyong’o’s long-serving deputy, was best placed to take over the county’s leadership in 2027. They credited the Nyong’o-Owili administration for what they called the most transformative period of devolution in Kisumu, citing investments in healthcare, urban modernization, lakefront development, and road infrastructure.
‘These gains can only be safeguarded, secured, and improved by someone who has been part of it, believes in the vision, and has the leadership mettle to keep Kisumu great, and that is Dr. Mathew Owili,’ they said. Market Milimani Ward MCA Seth Kanga stated that Dr. Owili had diligently served the county without friction, contributing to seamless delivery of development programs. ‘I am serving my second term and in my oversight work, I can tell you for sure that Dr. Owili, under the leadership of Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, has done a good job,’ he said.
In what appeared to be a jab at rival camps, Kanga accused unnamed opponents of engaging in smear campaigns and misinformation. ‘To competitors with no clear development agenda, vision, or iota of leadership, focused on propaganda and political blackmail – we invite you to be our guests,’ he said. ‘The people of Kisumu are politically mature and will not be swayed,’ he added.
Dr. Owili now joins a growing list of ODM heavyweights reportedly eyeing the seat, among them Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor. Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu is also said to be considering a run but is yet to make a public declaration.
The grassroots leaders pledged to strengthen party structures at the ward level, intensify mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election, and maintain ODM’s dominance in Kisumu. They reaffirmed loyalty to Raila Odinga’s values, saying the broad economic and social agenda he championed would continue to guide the movement. ‘The struggle continues, and the dream lives on,’ they said. ‘We honor Raila Odinga not by words alone, but by building a stronger party and serving our people with integrity.’
As ODM enters a transition phase, the leaders called on supporters to remain disciplined, united, and actively involved in upcoming planning forums set to shape the party’s next chapter in Kisumu and beyond. East Seme MCA Seth Okumu, who read a joint press statement, said the grassroots were emerging from mourning with renewed resolve to protect Odinga’s legacy and defend the philosophy that defined his political life. ‘Baba was more than a political leader. He was a visionary whose fight for democracy, good governance, and social justice transformed our nation,’ the statement read. ‘The king rests, but the crown lives on through every loyal ODM member, every grassroots organizer, and every Kenyan who believes in a free, fair, and just society.’
The leaders also announced unwavering support for Dr. Oburu Oginga as interim ODM party leader, saying his stewardship would offer stability and continuity during the delicate transition period. They urged party members to rally behind him, warning that ODM’s future strength hinges on discipline and unity ‘from the national executive to the grassroots.’
