Can Rozaah Buyu become the first Madam Kisumu governor?

Opinion

By Peter Ochineg

Kisumu governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is nearing the end of his second and last term in office.

Recently, a senior journalist in Kisumu reminded me that he only has three Christmas celebrations, before he calls it a day.

The former Kisumu Rural (now Seme) Member of Parliament (MP) dethroned Jack Nyanungo Ranguma in 2017, before being re-elected in 2022.

As the former Senator shits his gears towards finishing strong – as par his deputy Mathew Ochieng Owili, political bigwigs, average hopefuls, fringe aspirants and ‘pretenders to the throne’ are training their eyes on succeeding Nyong’o.

Several names have been bandied around. The names of Kisumu Senator Tom Odhiambo Ojienda, Nyakach legislature Joshua Aduma Owuor, Owili and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Odongo Oron have severally been mentioned.

Ojienda and Oron are yet to publicly declare their ambitions. Owili and Aduma have already declared their ambitions. Owili says he is the right man to take over from Nyong’o, having deputised him from 2017.

“When the time comes, I will offer myself for the position of governor. In Kisumu County, if you look at those with the experience and the vision to build on the foundation laid by Nyong’o, I am one of them,” he said recently.

“I have worked closely with the governor and share his foresight. I am ready to take Kisumu forward when the right time comes,” he added.

Aduma said this week, “Let me encourage and warn those seeking the gubernatorial seat in Kisumu County to refrain from violence and chaos. Let peace prevail and allow those in office to work. Campaigns will come at the right time.”

It is worth noting that only Lamu County’s Fatuma Achani succeeded her boss, after serving as deputy governor for 10 years, since the advent of devolution in 2013.

The name of Kisumu West MP Rozaah Akinyi Buyu as Nyong’o’s possible successor has also been mentioned in certain quarters. One of her confidants recently stated that ‘it is the people pushing her’ towards the gubernatorial bid, and not the other way round.

With that said, what are her chances if she chooses to contest for the county’s top job? Some would confidently say she stands no chance, which may attract a ‘tell that to the birds’ from her ardent supporters.

Being a woman notwithstanding, she stands a chance because with Nyong’o out of the picture, every candidate – male or female, will start the race from a level playing field, without the fear factor of facing the incumbent.

In 2022, Homabay’s Gladys Wanga, Fatuma Achani in Lamu, Machakos County’s Wavinya Ndeti and Embu’s Cecily Mbarire used the level playing field advantage to clinch gubernatorial seats.

That is not to say that a female candidate cannot defeat a male sitting governor. Bishop Kawira Mwangaza did it in Meru, putting the immediate former governor Kiraitu Murungi and his predecessor Peter Munya to the sword.

Susan Kihika did it in Nakuru, ousting Lee Kinyanjui who enjoyed the backing of a sitting President, in the frame of Uhuru Kenyatta.

In fact, Buyu herself has defeated not only a male candidate, but a sitting MP, before. She beat John Olago Aluoch during the 2022 Kisumu West Parliamentary race.

Kisumu, like Siaya, Homabay and Migori is an ODM stronghold. Coming out successful in the Orange Party’s ‘murky nomination waters’ is akin to being elected.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Buyu ‘has the ears’ of ODM supremo Raila Odinga and his wife, Ida. She should play her cards well to ensure that come rain or shine, she lands the ODM party nomination ticket. That will give her the much-needed impetus ahead of what promises to be a gruesome gubernatorial race.

Staging countywide campaigns for the governor’s seat may be a toll order to some, but not to Buyu. Before being elected MP in 2022, she served as Kisumu County’s second Women Representative.

The former teacher defeated Rose Ogendo Nyamunga in 2017, having vigorously campaigned across Kisumu County’s 7 constituencies.

With a proper campaign, economic and political strategy in place, Buyu stands a chance of becoming the first Madam Kisumu governor in 2027.