Kano community elders in Kisumu County have called on aspirants eyeing county leadership positions in the 2027 General Election to shun divisive politics and focus on issue-based campaigns.
The elders expressed concern over the growing political activity in the region, warning that inflammatory statements and personal attacks could create unnecessary tension within the community.
Speaking in Kisumu, Kano Council of Elders Chairman Bishop Kasuku Kalolo said the community was keen on maintaining unity as political leaders begin positioning themselves for the next election cycle.
“We want our sons and daughters who are seeking elective positions to campaign with respect, love and decorum. Politics should not divide our people,” Kalolo said.
His remarks come as the race for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat begins to attract attention, with Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, former Governor Jack Ranguma and former Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura among those who have expressed interest in the position.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor and Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda also eyes to replace Governor Anyang Nyong’o who is serving second and final term.
Kalolo said the elders were dissatisfied with some of the campaign tactics already being witnessed, arguing that such approaches risk creating hostility among supporters.
According to the chairman, the elders have held several meetings to deliberate on political developments within the community and the leadership direction they would like to see ahead of the elections.
“We are not happy with some of the utterances being made in the political arena because they can easily trigger conflict in the community. What our people need is development,” he said.
The elders also defended their decision to support Oron’s gubernatorial bid, saying their endorsement should not be interpreted as an attempt to lock out other aspirants from the race.
Kalolo maintained that every eligible candidate has a constitutional right to seek elective office and compete fairly for votes.
The council, however, took issue with recent remarks by former Governor Ranguma directed at Oron, describing them as unnecessary and unhelpful to the political discourse in the county.
One of the elders, Thomas Dullo, said Oron’s candidature should not cause anxiety among other aspirants.
“Ranguma is free to contest for the seat, but he should not throw mud at Oron. Leadership contests should be based on ideas and service to the people,” said Dullo.
Dullo further noted that no previous administration could claim a perfect record, adding that audit reports had in the past highlighted financial irregularities involving public resources.
He urged aspirants to focus on presenting their manifestos rather than engaging in personal attacks against their competitors.
“No aspirant should look down upon another because it is the voters who will make the final decision at the ballot in 2027,” he said.
Kano Council of Elders Organizing Secretary Henry Polo Yala echoed the call for unity, saying political competition should not undermine development efforts within the community.
“As a community, we will only prosper if we remain united. We are for development and not disunity,” said Polo.
He challenged those seeking elective positions to concentrate on articulating their development agenda for Kisumu County and avoid name-calling as the political contest gains momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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