Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Owili has intensified his bid to succeed Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, pitching himself as the most experienced candidate for the county’s top seat ahead of the next general election.
Dr Owili, who has been crisscrossing the county in recent months to rally support for his gubernatorial ambitions, said voters should reject politicians seeking elective office through the distribution of money.
He however warned that leaders who spend heavily to win elections often have ulterior motives.
“Experience has shown that those who give out huge amounts of money are not necessarily the best leaders,” Dr. Owili said.
In reaffirming his intention to run for governor, he argued that his long service in county leadership makes him the strongest candidate to take over from Prof Nyong’o, who is serving his second and final term in office.
“I may or may not be elected, but as we speak today, I am the most experienced individual for the position,” he said during the induction of newly recruited Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and technical trainers in Kisumu on Tuesday.
The deputy governor said while voters appreciate financial support, they should focus on the motives and track records of those seeking leadership positions.
He argued that some politicians who secured office through lavish campaign spending had ultimately failed to deliver on their promises.
Dr Owili’s remarks come as political activity begins to gather momentum in Kisumu, with several leaders expected to position themselves for the gubernatorial race once Prof Nyong’o leaves office.
The deputy governor has increasingly used public engagements across the county to promote his development record and leadership credentials as he seeks to win over voters ahead of the contest.
Turning to county development, Dr Owili reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening early childhood education, describing it as critical to a child’s development.
He said the county government had employed more than 800 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms and had recently recruited an additional 124 ECDE and Technical Vocational Centre (TVC) instructors.
County Executive Committee Member for Education John Awiti and Chief Officer Bovince Ochieng were also present at the event.
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