Kisumu East Member of Parliament Shakeel Ahmed Shabbir has publicly endorsed Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron’s bid for the Kisumu governorship, declaring him the most suitable candidate to succeed Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o when his second and final term comes to an end.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment event held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground on Friday, Shabbir described Oron as a straightforward and development-oriented leader capable of steering Kisumu County to greater heights.
The veteran legislator pledged his full support for Oron’s gubernatorial ambitions, promising to campaign alongside him across the county ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I will go with you everywhere you will go. You are fit to lead Kisumu County and you have my full support,” Shabbir said.
The endorsement is expected to add momentum to Oron’s campaign as political realignments begin to take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Shabbir, who contributed KSh50,000 towards the boda boda empowerment harambee, remained non-committal on whether he will seek re-election as Kisumu East MP in 2027. The lawmaker has represented the constituency since 2008.
At the same event, Shabbir praised President William Ruto’s administration, describing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) as a game changer that has delivered tangible development projects in Kisumu and across the region.
According to the MP, the government’s investments in infrastructure, affordable housing and transport projects have significantly benefited residents and strengthened the case for Ruto’s re-election.
“President William Ruto has done a lot for us. Look at the Kisumu-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Road, the affordable housing programme, and the planned construction of the Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway. He deserves a second term,” Shabbir said.
The race to succeed Governor Nyong’o is already attracting a growing list of contenders, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive battle for Kisumu’s top seat.
Among those who have expressed interest in the governorship are Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, former Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, and East African Legislative Assembly member Ruth Odinga.
Political observers say the contest is likely to shape the county’s political landscape and test the influence of both party leadership and local power brokers as the 2027 elections draw closer.
