Kisumu gubernatorial aspirant Rodgers Okeya has stepped up his campaign for the county’s top seat, holding a town hall meeting with residents of Nyando.
Okeya met delegates and coordinators from the county’s seven sub-counties, who endorsed his candidature.
He said his campaign slogan, “Omedo Raha”, would be translated into action if he is elected.
Okeya, who has made youth empowerment a central part of his campaign, has been touring Kisumu County, meeting young people, professionals, women and members of the business community.
He identified youth unemployment and the under-utilisation of natural resources as some of the key challenges facing the county.
Kisumu has about 2,000 square kilometres of land, which Okeya said had not been fully utilised.
He also argued that the county should benefit from investment in the oil sector, citing plans for a proposed oil refinery in Lamu by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote.
Okeya said Kisumu’s oil reserves should be taken into account in efforts to develop the sector and create opportunities for local residents.
He said the proposed project was expected to begin in October and cost about Sh2bn.
The aspirant said he would draw on his experience as an auditor in the Office of the Auditor-General and as a businessman to run the county.
His campaign is based on what he calls “economic patriotism”, which he says is founded on integrity, justice and a strong work ethic.
“I believe and am sure that if we work around the three agenda, we will together transform Kisumu County to a better county in the country,” he said.
Okeya also urged young people to register as voters and keep their voter cards, promising to link them with employment opportunities locally and abroad.
He criticised the use of young people in political violence during elections and called for a change in approach.
“Most youths have been misused in the last elections as a tool to cause chaos before, during and even after elections,” he said.
He urged young people to reject political violence and focus on building their livelihoods.
Okeya also said he would promote digital employment opportunities as an alternative to relying solely on traditional forms of employment.
On flooding, which regularly affects parts of Kisumu, he said his administration would seek partnerships and collaborations to address the problem.
His entry into the race adds to a growing list of contenders for the Kisumu governorship, including Senator Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and former Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura also eyes to replace Governor Anyang Nyong’o who is serving his second and final term.
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