Ken Obura (in the middle) accompanied by Obungu Owich (left) during a press briefing at Lake Basin Mall, Kisumu
Former Kisumu Central Member of Parliament (MP) Ken Obura on Thursday, 20 February 2025, declared his candidacy for the Kisumu gubernatorial race in 2027.
Speaking at a press briefing at Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu, the former lawmaker highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges faced by traders in Kisumu city.
Obura noted that the health sector in Kisumu is struggling, with frequent strikes by health workers and a widespread shortage of medicine across county health facilities.
“We need to address the challenges in Kisumu, from those affecting the business community in town to issues in the health sector, which are currently of great concern,” Obura stated.
He also emphasised the need to revitalise rice farming, a major economic activity in the Kisumu lowlands, and called for solutions to the recurrent flooding that has devastated the region.
Obura remarked that although President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are engaged in mutual talks, it remains unclear whether Ruto will seek re-election under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) or the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). However, he assured that he would contest the governorship under the same party ticket as the president.
“I now declare that I am in the race for the Kisumu County governorship under the party where President William Ruto will seek his second term,” he announced.
Wishing his competitors the best in their respective party nominations, Obura promised a fiercely contested election.
He was accompanied by Obungu Owich, a member of Bunge La Wananchi Kenya caucus, who has declared his candidacy for the Kondele MCA seat.
In his address, Obungu criticised the Kisumu County administration for failing to act on issues raised by the Kenya Bunge La Wananchi caucus.
“As Kenya Bunge La Wananchi, we have consistently pointed out issues affecting us in Kisumu, yet there has been no goodwill to address them. We are glad that Ken Obura has stepped forward,” he said, describing Obura as”Godsent “
Obungu had previously supported Kisumu Senator Professor Tom Ojienda, who is also vying for the gubernatorial seat, but is reported to have shifted his allegiance to Obura.
On 19 February 2022, Obura was endorsed to seek the ODM party ticket for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat in the August 9 General Election.
The endorsement followed a consensus among three other aspirants former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, and former Speaker Onyango Oloo who agreed to support Obura’s candidacy to present a formidable challenge to the incumbent Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
During the announcement at Kisumu Central Square, Senator Outa stated that their decision aligned with ODM leader Raila Odinga’s call for candidates to reach a consensus to avoid contentious party nominations. He noted that Governor Nyong’o had been invited to their discussions but did not attend, setting the stage for a tough contest.
The group criticised Governor Nyong’o’s administration for failing to fully harness Kisumu’s economic potential and for allegedly suppressing the rights of small-scale traders. They also raised concerns over the county’s healthcare system, citing frequent medical workers’ strikes and shortages of essential drugs.
Despite their efforts, the ODM party ultimately granted a direct nomination to Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who was re-elected for a second term.
Obura now joins Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor and Kisumu Central MP Dr Oron in the race to succeed Governor Nyong’o in 2027.
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