Gem Constituency politics have always been turbulent, and as the 2027 race looms, one name at the centre of new intrigue is Engineer Adrian Ouma —a technocrat who has served in both Kisumu and Siaya county governments, and now seeks to make a mark in national politics.
From engineer to County Executive
Eng. Ouma is a career engineer with professional accreditation under the Institution of Engineers of Kenya. He rose through public service in Kisumu City, where he worked as City Engineer before moving to Siaya County.
In Siaya, he held several executive portfolios under former governor Cornel Rasanga, including Finance, Lands and Water, and later Trade, Tourism and Culture. County assembly vetting records show his name frequently drew attention—sometimes over past allegations connected to Kisumu, which he denied. None of those issues advanced to court convictions, but they left a trail of scrutiny that still shadows his career.
Entry into Gem politics
Ouma formally declared his interest in the Gem parliamentary seat in the run-up to the 2022 polls, seeking the ODM ticket to challenge incumbent Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo (Akuba). He joined a crowded field that also included Dr. Jalang’o Midiwo, cousin to the late Jakoyo Midiwo.
The ODM primaries in Gem were hotly contested and ended in a tribunal fight, a reminder of just how fraught party nominations can be in this constituency.
Claims of a smear campaign
Now, as attention shifts to 2027, Ouma insists he is the subject of a coordinated online smear campaign aimed at forcing him out of the race. He says he knows who is behind the malicious social-media articles but maintains he will not respond to what he calls “lies and fabrications.”
“I am not interested in dignifying propaganda,” he told associates, arguing that the politician behind the attacks is “not even a frontrunner in Gem.”
Our review of Facebook groups and community forums shows that Ouma is indeed the subject of posts that question his record and integrity. However, there is no verifiable evidence linking the authorship or financing of these posts to any specific rival.
The wider contest in Gem
What complicates matters is the uncertain line-up of candidates.
Hon. Christine Ombaka, the Siaya Woman Representative, is frequently mentioned as a possible entrant. Insiders believe that if she secured ODM’s nod, she would be difficult to beat—even if she opted to run as an independent.
Incumbent Elisha Odhiambo Akuba faces discontent within ODM, with some party strategists viewing his removal as part of a wider consolidation plan.
Dr. Jalang’o Midiwo, though respected, is seen by some within ODM as lacking the numbers to counter Ombaka’s influence.
In this mix, whispers point to a “powerful administrator” eyeing the seat as the sponsor of the negative campaign against Ouma—hoping to look untarnished compared to the rest. Yet, like the claims Ouma himself faces, these remain allegations without documentary proof.
A constituency of intrigue
Gem has a history of bruising political battles. The 2022 ODM nomination debacle left scars, and with multiple strong personalities now circling the seat, the stakes are once again high.
For Eng. Adrian Ouma, the bigger question may not be the social-media attacks, but whether he can convince ODM—and ultimately the voters—that he is the fresh technocratic option Gem needs.
Until then, the fact check is clear:
He has served in Kisumu and Siaya counties in senior roles.
He has declared interest in Gem parliamentary politics.
He claims to be facing a smear campaign, but no public evidence points to who is behind it.
Everything else, for now, remains the stuff of Gem’s well-worn tradition of political intrigue.
Leave a Reply