Advocate Joshua Odhiambo Nyamori has declared his intention to contest the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, pledging to revive the city’s economic fortunes and improve service delivery.
Nyamori, a High Court advocate and board member of the National Housing Corporation, says his upbringing in Kisumu Central and experience in law, human rights advocacy and public service make him well placed to represent the constituency.
Born and raised in Manyatta, Nyamori attended Arya Primary School and Kisumu Boys High School before joining Maseno University, where he studied for a Bachelor of Education degree.
He later pursued law, following in the footsteps of his late father, a pioneer advocate in Kisumu County. He has also studied economics.
Nyamori says growing up around the legal profession influenced his decision to become a lawyer.
“I remember one time when I quoted the Education Act, forcing the school to question where I had got the information,” he said.
An ardent human rights defender, Nyamori has previously managed Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground and served as a leading member of the Elimu Yetu Coalition, using the platforms to champion the rights of Kisumu residents.
During his tenure at the sports facility, it was voted the cleanest recreational facility in East Africa, he said.
Nyamori argues that Kisumu has experienced a decline in essential services and economic activity, calling for urgent measures to restore the city’s former status as a commercial hub.
He cites the decline of the railway and port systems, the collapse of factories and the relocation of fish-processing businesses to other parts of the country as signs of the city’s economic challenges.
“Kisumu had a functional railway and port system that connected the town to other parts of East Africa and created opportunities for local people,” he said.
He points to the network of ports serving communities around Lake Victoria, including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kendu Bay, Mbita, Musoma and Bukoba, as having played a significant role in regional trade and livelihoods.
Nyamori also recalls the former Kisumu Municipal Council as having provided more effective services, particularly in waste management, arguing that residents received better value for the rates they paid.
If elected, he says, he will use his legislative and oversight roles to push for policies and infrastructure investments that can restore Kisumu’s economic competitiveness.
He also wants the Rironi-Mau Summit highway project extended through Kisumu to strengthen the city’s position as a commercial hub and open up economic opportunities for residents.
“Kisumu has a role to play in this matrix, given its vital geopolitical position in the region,” he said.
Nyamori says he intends to mobilise residents to make better use of the resources and economic opportunities available in the Lake Victoria region.
His campaign is also expected to focus on accountability, improved urban services and people-centred development.
The aspirant says he accepted calls from residents to seek the parliamentary seat, pledging to provide leadership that responds to their concerns.
“I am humbled to respond to the demand of the residents that I contest for the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat. I assure them that I will be on the ballot in 2027 as part of a team determined to transform leadership and governance in Kisumu,” he said.
His declaration comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nyamori is associated with the Kisumu Rise movement, which he says was formed after residents became frustrated by what they viewed as the county government’s failure to address persistent urban challenges.
Among the concerns raised by the movement are insecurity, inadequate street lighting, flooding in residential estates, poor waste management, deteriorating business infrastructure and alleged mismanagement of markets.
According to Nyamori, the movement has used public interest litigation to pressure the county government to install street lights in some areas and protect tenants in Arina, Mosque and Argwings estates from what he described as unlawful eviction attempts.
A recent town hall meeting reviewed the movement’s achievements and identified additional priorities for action.
Nyamori says the movement also intends to identify and support candidates for elective positions, from Members of County Assembly to governor and senator, whom residents believe can better represent their interests.
His entry adds to an increasingly competitive field that includes former MP Fred Ouda, businessman Edward Onyango, Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch, Kisumu County Education Chief Officer Bovince Ochieng and businessman Abdul Omar.
With the 2027 polls approaching, Nyamori’s campaign is likely to focus on his legal background, record in civic activism and pledge to revive Kisumu’s economic fortunes as he seeks to persuade voters that he is the right candidate to represent Kisumu Central.
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