By The Weekly Vision Team
Politicians in Siaya County are grappling with uncertainty about their political future as they prepare for the 2027 elections. The confusion follows the recent handshake between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. Insiders from ODM reveal that a crucial pre-handshake condition was that UDA should not field candidates against ODM in Luo Nyanza for the upcoming elections. President Ruto is reported to have agreed to this arrangement, referring to it as the ‘zoning of constituencies.’
This agreement has created difficulties for those interested in running for positions such as MCA, MP, Women Representative, Senator, and Governor under the UDA banner. Luo MPs from Siaya feel increasingly side-lined, as President Ruto and his associates at State House have not responded to their communications since the handshake. Politicians in the region, many of whom are ODM rebels, had hoped to gain from aligning with Ruto but are now facing challenges.
Siaya County Deputy Governor William Oduol, a known ally of Ruto, is particularly impacted. Oduol, who survived a failed impeachment attempt with Ruto’s support in the Senate, reportedly reached an agreement with Ruto and former gubernatorial candidate Nicholas Gumbo to run as UDA’s candidates against Siaya Governor James Orengo in 2027.
Despite this, Orengo faces potential difficulties, especially if support from Raila Odinga diminishes. To strengthen his position, Orengo might consider selecting Sam Atandi, MP for Alego Usonga, as his deputy. There is also speculation that Orengo could choose Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo as his deputy and potential successor, though Amolo is reportedly eyeing the Siaya Senate seat in 2027.
With the current arrangement, President Ruto’s UDA party will not be able to field candidates against ODM in Luo Nyanza, forcing Nicholas Gumbo and Oduol to contemplate re-aligning with ODM for the 2027 elections.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, who had initially planned to run under UDA, now faces a dilemma due to the shifting power dynamics between Ruto and Raila. Similarly, Elisha Odhiambo of Gem is struggling with the repercussions of the Raila-Ruto agreement, likely leading him to rejoin ODM. In Ugenya, Hon. David Ochieng’ of MDP may face significant challenges in retaining his seat due to these political changes.
Lastly, Christine Ombaka, the Women Representative for Siaya, is set to retire at the end of her current term, prompting an active search for her successor.
