Kondele Ward MCA and Kisumu County Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Joachim Oketch Swagga, popularly known as Slum Boy, has officially declared his intention to contest the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat in the 2027 general elections, urging residents to rally behind leaders who have risen from within the county.
In an exclusive interview with The Kenyan Tabloid, Swagga emphasized the need for Kisumu to elect “homegrown leaders” with a clear understanding of local challenges and a proven record of grassroots service. The two-term MCA said he, alongside Market Milimani Ward MCA Seth Kanga alias Adui Nyang’, Ahero MCA Ken Ooko, Elisha Jack Oraro (Speaker Kisumu County Assembly) and nominated MCA Regina Kizito, have been politically nurtured by ODM leader Raila Odinga and Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.
“We are the political students of Raila and Nyong’o,” Swagga said. “We are their sons. It would be unfair for anyone to bypass us during nominations after all we’ve done for the party.”
Swagga, a staunch ODM loyalist, recalled moments of political persecution, including multiple arrests in the line of duty. He recounted one incident in which he was held in several police stations before being found in Kapsoit, where he claimed he was hidden due to political tensions. “I’ve slept in six different police stations because of politics. We’ve paid the price for this party. I won’t be begging for the ODM ticket in 2027, they will sweat for me,” he said.
He warned the party against overlooking those who have built its base. “You’ve taken me to the assembly for ten years. Now when I need promotion, you want to bring someone from Nairobi with ten bodyguards? That’s unacceptable.”
Calling on the electorate to support familiar leaders, Swagga said Kisumu must elevate MCAs who have served faithfully and are ready for national leadership. He cited Seth Kanga’s bid for Kisumu East, Ken Ooko’s interest in the Nyando seat, and Regina Kizito’s ambition for the Kisumu County Woman Representative seat as examples of leaders who deserve support. “These are leaders we know. They’ve worked for the people and deserve our support.”
He took aim at leaders who, he said, prioritize theatrics over service. “Leadership isn’t about crying at funerals or insulting opponents. It’s about offering solutions. We don’t need drama queens; we need workers.”
Swagga described himself as a true son of Kisumu, born and raised in the slums, and having worked in local banks and with Coca-Cola before entering politics. “I started as a hustler. I’ve studied, worked, and lived here. I won’t need millions to be elected, Kisumu people know me. They’ll elect me with the little I have. I’ll break the yoke.”
He dismissed any suggestion of clinging to power. “Two terms as MCA is enough. Let me move up and pave the way for other youth. Leadership should circulate. I’m not Mugabe.”
Addressing recent youth-led demonstrations, Swagga acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns raised by Gen Z over unemployment and governance. He urged open dialogue between leaders and the youth. “The issue of unemployment is real. But there has been a communication breakdown. Leaders must talk with the youth, not at them. And youth must also listen.”
He thanked the residents of Kondele for trusting him over the years and said he had made significant strides engaging youth groups locally, particularly those known as mbogi. “We’ve worked together. That’s how you build a city, through unity and understanding.”
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Swagga’s message remains unwavering: Kisumu must stand with its own and elevate leaders rooted in its soil.
