Former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has urged residents to elect leaders with integrity, wisdom and fear of God as political leaders intensify campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the burial of Jack Ongou, brother of former Kisumu County Assembly Majority Leader Samuel Ongou, Ranguma said he and his former deputy, Ruth Odinga, remained leaders with proven records of service and were best placed to steer the county’s development agenda.
Ranguma said Kisumu voters should elect leaders committed to serving the people and completing development initiatives started during his administration.
He also criticized a group known as Flotilla, accusing its members of lacking integrity.Odinga, who also attended the funeral, confirmed that she would contest the Kisumu gubernatorial seat in 2027.
She urged residents to evaluate candidates based on their development records.“I was the first person to vie for the gubernatorial position in Kisumu County and I will be seeking the seat again in 2027,” she said.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda also declared his intention to run for governor, saying he was best suited to address the county’s challenges and improve service delivery.
Nyakach Member of Parliament Aduma Owuor, another aspirant for the seat, cited his development record, particularly in road infrastructure, saying several roads had been upgraded while more projects were underway.
Meanwhile, a section of leaders from Kisumu County called on residents to support the broad-based government arrangement, citing development gains realized under President William Ruto’s administration.
Ojienda urged Nyanza residents to support Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region had benefited from government projects and policy interventions.
He singled out reforms in the sugar sector, saying the government had moved to clear debts owed to sugar factories, farmers and workers.“No president has done that since independence,” Ojienda said.
The senator said leaders should focus on listening to voters and finding solutions to their problems.
Kisumu Cengral MP Dr. Joshua Oron also urged residents to support Ruto, saying the broad-based government had revived stalled infrastructure projects and created employment opportunities for young people through the Affordable Housing Programme.
Oron, who is also seeking the Kisumu governorship, said the county required transformative leadership and expressed confidence in his bid.
“It is only fair that the president is accorded another chance and that is only possible through your votes,” he said.
The declarations by several political leaders signal the start of what is expected to be a competitive race for the Kisumu governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
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