As Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o approaches the end of his two-term tenure, the race to succeed him is intensifying, with new contenders joining the field almost daily. The county’s top seat, now viewed as one of the most coveted political positions in the region, has drawn in its latest aspirant: economist Rodgers Omondi Okeya.
Okeya officially declared his bid for the Kisumu governorship during a meeting with members of the Fourth Estate in Kisumu. He pledged a transformative agenda anchored on three pillars: accountability, jobs, and justice, saying Kisumu residents deserve a government that works for them.
The economist criticized county governments for what he termed rampant corruption and bloated wage bills, arguing many employees “earn handsomely for doing nothing.” He said that if elected, his administration would streamline spending and restore integrity in public service.
Okeya, who has been training young people through his digital enterprise, promised to prioritize job creation, saying Kisumu’s youth have been abandoned and exploited for political gain. He vowed to redirect their energy away from being used as political goons and instead help them secure meaningful employment, including opportunities outside the county.
He said his difficult past and personal struggles inspired his decision to run, noting that Kisumu’s growth has stalled due to poor service delivery and misplaced priorities. Okeya argued that counties have surrendered essential responsibilities, especially youth employment, to the national government, insisting county leaders must complement the President by creating local opportunities.
Okeya now joins an already crowded field of high-profile aspirants, including Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu and former CAS Ken Obura.
