Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili has urged residents to entrust him with the county’s top seat in the 2027 General Election, describing himself as the most experienced and qualified candidate to succeed Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on a Kisumu-based vernacular radio station on Wednesday, June 24, Dr. Owili said his long service in county leadership has equipped him with the expertise required to steer Kisumu to greater heights. He argued that his close working relationship with Governor Nyong’o has given him firsthand knowledge of governance and development, making him the ideal successor.
The Deputy Governor also cited his clean record, noting that he has never been arraigned in court over corruption or any criminal offence, unlike some of his rivals whom he accused of being tainted by integrity questions.
“If the people of Kisumu are looking for the best person to continue and implement what Governor Nyong’o has started, then I am that person. I will ensure that what belongs to Kisumu remains in the hands of the people of Kisumu. I believe in myself because I have never appeared in court over corruption or embezzlement of public funds,” said Dr. Owili.
Owili credited much of his experience to the mentorship of Governor Nyong’o, saying he has represented the county in numerous local and international engagements that have helped attract investments and development opportunities.
He maintained that none of the other gubernatorial aspirants possess comparable experience in county administration, adding that he has played a key role in advancing Kisumu’s transformation agenda.
According to the Deputy Governor, the county’s development blueprint was crafted jointly by Governor Nyong’o and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with a focus on healthcare, industrial growth, the Special Economic Zone, and positioning Kisumu as a preferred investment destination.
“I have travelled widely on behalf of the county and returned with development opportunities and investments. Among those seeking the governorship, none has more experience than I do. We had a great vision for Kisumu together with Raila Odinga, and I remain committed to seeing that vision fully realized,” he said.
Owili further warned against the growing influence of money in local politics, insisting that leadership should not be determined by financial muscle. He accused some politicians of using handouts to manipulate unemployed youth, a practice he said has contributed to the rise of gangs and political violence.
He challenged aspiring leaders to focus on creating economic opportunities rather than distributing cash to young people.
“The leadership of Kisumu County will not be bought with money. Wherever people choose money over leadership, development suffers. Some politicians are fueling the goon culture by giving youth handouts instead of empowering them through meaningful opportunities,” he said.
The Deputy Governor said youth empowerment would form a central pillar of his administration if elected governor. Among his key proposals is the establishment of digital hubs across all the county’s 70 villages to create employment and enhance access to online opportunities.
“I will establish digital hubs in all the 70 villages of Kisumu County to create opportunities for our youth. Kenyans are highly innovative, and many young people are already earning a living online. These hubs will help them expand their potential and access more opportunities,” he added.
As the race to succeed Governor Nyong’o gathers momentum, Owili’s remarks position him as a frontrunner seeking to capitalize on his experience in county government while pitching continuity of the current administration’s development agenda.
