Businessman Opot Steps Up Campaign as Contest for Gem Parliamentary Seat Gains Momentum

Businessman and philanthropist Eng. Sam Opot has intensified his campaign for the Gem parliamentary seat ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. 

He has been positioning himself as a development focused candidate in what is shaping up to be one of the constituency’s most competitive races. 

Eng. Opot, a native of North Gem Ward, is seeking to unseat two term incumbent MP Elisha Odhiambo. 

The contest has attracted a crowded field of aspirants, including Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, Jalang’o Midiwo, Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka, Nick Ochola, William Kinyanyi and Booker Ngesa. 

The candidates are expected to compete for the support of more than 93,000 registered voters across Gem’s six wards. 

Political analysts regard North Gem, the constituency’s largest voting bloc, as a key battleground, while South Gem and Yala Township are also expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome. 

Unlike many of his rivals, Eng. Opot has centered his campaign on a record of community development projects, arguing that leadership should be measured by tangible results rather than political rhetoric. 

“My campaigns is purely issue-based targeted at solving the problems facing my constituents devoid of political intolerance and violence,” he said.

Water access has emerged as one of the cornerstones of his campaign. “One of my agendas is to ensure my people access clean and safe water to improve sanitation and address water related diseases,” Eng. Opot said.

Through a series of borehole and community water projects in Hundro, Sirodha, Kobuong, Kodilo and Ujimbe, thousands of residents have gained access to clean water Beneficiaries include about 4,500 residents in Ujimbe, 3,000 in Sirodha and approximately 2,000 each in Kobuong and Kodilo.

Among the projects is the Sh12 million Sirembe Community Water Project, launched to address chronic water shortages in the area.

The initiative is expected to serve more than 5,000 residents in its first phase, with expansion plans already under consideration.

Eng. Opot said access to clean water was essential to improving livelihoods and reducing the burden on women and children who often travel long distances in search of the resource.

Beyond water provision, the businessman has expanded his development agenda to agriculture, supporting sorghum farming initiatives across parts of the constituency.

Through collaboration with Kenya Breweries Limited, participating farmers are assured of a ready market for their produce, an arrangement aimed at boosting household incomes and strengthening food security.

Education and social welfare have also featured prominently in his outreach programme.

Eng.Opot has supported students from disadvantaged backgrounds through educational assistance while also backing housing and welfare initiatives targeting widows, older persons and vulnerable families.

As part of efforts to build grassroots support, he has toured all six wards, engaging youth groups, women’s organisations and community-based associations.

Several economic empowerment projects have been rolled out through these engagements, including poultry farming initiatives and table banking programmes designed to improve access to savings and credit.

Through a partnership with Winam Grassroots, at least ten groups in Central Gem have benefited from poultry projects, while others have received equipment and support to expand income-generating activities.

Throughout the campaign, Eng. Opot has urged voters to evaluate leaders based on their development record and ability to address challenges in education, healthcare, water provision, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

He has also criticised the incumbent, accusing him of placing excessive emphasis on politics at the expense of development.

Eng. Opot argues that greater attention should be directed towards addressing residents’ concerns and improving essential public services.

His campaign strategy appeared to resonate well across the constituency based on the positive reception from the locals.

Eng.Opot highlighted his involvement in development initiatives spanning more than 15 years despite not holding elective office.With the election campaign expected to intensify in the coming months, Gem is emerging as one of Siaya County’s most closely watched political contests.

While Odhiambo seeks to retain his seat, challengers led by Opot continue to mobilise support across the constituency.

For now, Eng. Opot’s strategy remains firmly anchored on showcasing development projects in water, agriculture, education and community empowerment as evidence of his leadership credentials, betting that voters will ultimately reward performance over political slogans when they head to the polls in 2027.