The race for the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat gained a new contender on Saturday as businessman Abdul Dubai declared his interest in the seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Dubai joins a growing list of aspirants vying to succeed incumbent MP Dr. Joshua Oron, who is expected to run for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat as Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o prepares to exit after his second term.
Dubai, who said he will seek the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, expressed confidence in his bid, promising issue-based campaigns focused on real challenges facing constituents.
“My campaigns will be issue based, especially on the real challenges facing the people of Kisumu Central. We want to do things differently, a development-oriented leadership aimed at transforming lives,” he said.
He now enters an already crowded field that includes former Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda, businessman Edward Onyango alias CEO, Kisumu County Chief Officer for Education Bovince Ochieng, Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch alias Swagga, UDA youth leader Cedrick Otieno, and businessman Benard Aete Dume.
With nearly 14 months to go before the elections, political activities have intensified as aspirants launch early campaigns, many engaging residents through empowerment initiatives targeting youth, women, and small-scale traders.
Among the notable contenders, Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch serving his second term and a member of the Speaker’s Panel has been rallying women, youth, and bodaboda operators.
Bovince Ochieng, who played a key role in rallying youth in the election of Nyong’o in 2017 and 2022 respectively, also enjoys huge support of youth and women groups.
He banks on his development track record as Kisumu County director of trade in which he oversaw various markets established for traders, who currently enjoys conducive environment for business.
Besides trade docket, he hopes that his record in the education department as chief officer will also boost his bid having worked closely with parents, students and other education stakeholders.
Ochieng has also been meeting youth and women groups, elders and various professionals groups.
Edward Onyango, a prominent businessman and grandson of former Kisumu MP and mayor Grace Onyango, has been active in youth empowerment and support programs for micro-traders across the constituency.
UDA youth leader Cedrick Otieno is expected to contest on the ruling party’s ticket and has been popularising government grassroots programmes and national government partnerships within the constituency.
He is banking on support from young voters and women.
Ouda rejoined the ODM party after contesting the 2022 election as an independent candidate following disputed party primaries that saw Dr. Oron clinch the ODM ticket.
During recent political engagements in the constituency, Ouda said he remained loyal to ODM and party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.
“I am back home, which is headed by our party leader. Oron is the current MP and we have to support him to deliver on his development agenda to our people,” he said.
The former MP has since been actively participating in fundraising events, development initiatives and community functions across the constituency in an effort to strengthen his support base ahead of 2027.
Ouda said his campaign would focus on issues and development rather than propaganda.
He defended his track record, citing investments in school infrastructure, roads and bursary programmes during his tenure.
“There is no school in my constituency which I failed to support. I initiated CDF-funded projects in every school,” Ouda said.
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