The 2027 Kisumu gubernatorial race has taken a dramatic twist after former Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura reportedly raided the camp of his rival, Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, taking with him several of Oron’s key supporters and mobilizers.
Sources within both camps indicate that a number of grassroots operatives previously aligned with Dr. Oron have defected to Obura’s side in recent weeks, a move that has significantly strengthened the former Kisumu Central MP’s campaign machinery.
Leading the defection is Nyaori Nyang, former Personal Assistant to MP Oron and Kibuye Market Chair lady Judith Matengo Nyaramba.
Nyaori says he has officially ditched the MP’s camp and moved to support Obura.
“I was his PA, I left salary, I left an office there, I am here permanently,” said Nyaori.
Matengo too, a former supporter of MP Oron said she is fully supporting the candidature of Obura.
The defectors, mainly drawn from Kondele, Nyalenda, and Manyatta wards, cited Obura’s leadership experience and perceived development record as reasons for switching allegiance.
The move is seen as a strategic coup for Obura, who has been intensifying his political activities across the county as he seeks to succeed Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, whose second term ends in 2027.
Obura has publicly declared that he will contest the seat “with or without the ODM ticket,” signaling a potentially heated battle within the Orange Democratic Movement ahead of party nominations.
Political observers say the entry of Obura and his aggressive recruitment drive could reshape Kisumu’s political landscape, with other hopefuls.
As the 2027 race gains momentum, all eyes are on how the ODM party will manage growing internal competition among its top Kisumu figures, each claiming to have the backing of the electorate.
