Kisumu: Kisumu County Women Representative Ruth Odinga has called on elected leaders to prioritise service delivery over premature political campaigns, emphasizing that leaders should seek higher office only after fulfilling their mandates. Speaking at Obwolo Chief’s Camp in Kisumu East Sub-County during a county-wide empowerment drive, Odinga urged politicians to focus on tangible projects that improve citizens’ lives rather than fueling succession debates.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odinga’s remarks come amid growing speculation over her expected 2027 bid for the Kisumu governorship, a contest that is already shaping up as one of the most competitive in the region. Other potential candidates for the seat include Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili, Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, and MPs Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central) and Aduma Owuor (Nyakach). While she did not directly comment on her candidature, Odinga stated that leadership must be defined by visible service to the people.
During the event, Odinga distributed 75 portable steel grocery stalls with umbrellas to women traders, 14 water tanks to farmer groups, and cheques worth over Sh500,000 to 10 community groups to strengthen local savings and income projects. She described the rollout as a step to improve working conditions for women traders and enhance agricultural productivity across Kisumu County.
On the topic of food security, Odinga mentioned that her office has partnered with the Kenya Seed Company and other agencies to distribute certified seeds, train farmers on modern farming techniques, and conduct soil testing across the county. She noted that additional distributions will take place in November.
The Women Representative also highlighted progress in her Blue Economy programme, revealing that her office had procured boats for women groups in Sangorota, Nduru, Kadero, and Assat beaches. Odinga further reported that nearly 2,000 youth had undergone technical training in welding, plumbing, and other skills at NITA and TVET institutions under her Human Capacity Building docket.
On gender equity, she reaffirmed her commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV), announcing plans to establish six GBV centres and a safe house in Gita Kajulu, in response to rising cases in Kisumu. Odinga also reiterated her allegiance to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), stressing that her focus remains on service rather than political expediency.
She concluded by urging residents to participate actively in upcoming voter registration drives, promising to work with chiefs and Huduma Centres to reach remote villages. Odinga expressed her passion for voter registration and emphasized efforts to assist those who cannot access Huduma Centres.
