Former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma has stepped up his campaign to reclaim the county’s top seat after elders from the larger Kano clan endorsed his candidature.
The elders, speaking at Namba Okana, said Ranguma had the experience and track record needed to lead the county again.
Ranguma, who is also chairman of the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), highlighted projects he said his administration initiated in education, infrastructure and health during his tenure as governor.
He said many of the projects had stalled after he left office and pledged to complete them if elected next year.
“Most of the projects I started have stalled. Those that were left halfway will be completed when I assume office,” Ranguma said.
He said his administration had opened roads and constructed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across the county.
Ranguma also pledged to address flooding in Kisumu, saying the completion of the Koru-Soin dam would help tackle the problem.
The project, he said could also generate electricity for the national grid.
He further promised to address persistent water shortages in the county.
Ranguma said one of his initial plans had been to tap water from the Magwagwa River in Nyamira County to supplement existing supplies.
The former governor also said he would revive the cooperative movement in Kisumu, which he described as dormant.
Ranguma urged residents of the wider Nyanza region to support President William Ruto’s re-election, saying the president had plans for the region and pointing to ongoing projects as evidence of his commitment.
Earlier, elders from the larger Kano clan endorsed Ranguma and urged him to pursue his political ambitions without fear.
Ranguma told his opponents to prepare for a tough contest, saying he was the only aspirant with a record of completed projects to show.
He also vowed to complete projects initiated during his previous administration that have since stalled.
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