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Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has called on elected leaders to focus on delivering their mandates before seeking re-election or gunning for higher positions.
Speaking during a county-wide empowerment drive at Obwolo Chief’s Camp in Kisumu on Friday, October 3, Odinga emphasised that political leadership must be measured by tangible service to the people.
While she avoided directly addressing her anticipated 2027 gubernatorial bid, it is already in the public domain that she intends to contest the Kisumu governor’s seat. Her entry is likely to add to the intensity of an already crowded race.
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Among those who have declared interest are current Deputy Governor Mattews Owili, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Central Member of Parliament Joshua Oron, and Nyakach Member of Parliament Aduma Owuor.
During the empowerment drive, Odinga oversaw the distribution of 75 portable grocery stands with umbrellas to women traders, 14 water tanks to farmer groups, and cheques to 10 community groups to boost local projects.
She said the initiatives, funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), are part of a broader strategy to uplift women, youth, farmers, and vulnerable groups.
She also underscored her office’s interventions in fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV), revealing plans for six GBV centres and a safe house in Gita, Kajulu, to respond to rising cases of violence in Kisumu.
The Woman Representative reaffirmed her loyalty to ODM, stressing that her work is grounded in service rather than short-term political expediency.
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She also underscored her office’s interventions in fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV), revealing plans for six GBV centres and a safe house in Gita, Kajulu, to respond to rising cases of violence in Kisumu.
Odinga reminded the gathering that her office, through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), has already trained over 600 youths in technical trades, supported poultry and agribusiness initiatives, and equipped artisans in the Jua Kali sector with tools to make their skills profitable.
The Orange party is likely to face a serious political storm in Kisumu should all the four aspirants seek its ticket in their quest to succeed Governor Nyang’o.
The toughest contest could be between Senator Ojienda and Odinga, both of whom are influential leaders in the county and close allies of ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Ojienda’s popularity waned drastically when he joined President William Ruto’s camp after the 2022 General Election; however, he received a lifeline when Raila finally agreed to work with the president under a broad-based government.
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An advocate of many years, Ojienda has established himself as a central player in both Raila and Ruto’s camps.
Odinga, on the other hand, is banking on her empowerment projects in the county to upset her opponents in the nomination and final contest in August 2027.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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