By Samson Wire
As the 2027 General Election edges closer, political momentum in Nairobi’s wards is beginning to crystallise — and in Lakisama Ward, Ruaraka Sub-county, one name is increasingly dominating the conversation: Victor Omondi Ochola.
Seasoned political observers often note that while large, enthusiastic crowds are a strong signal of electoral strength, true victory lies in precision, grassroots listening, and sustained development delivery. For Ochola — the one-term Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MCA — recent events suggest the political winds may be blowing firmly in his favour.
Ochola’s political standing received a visible boost during President William Ruto’s Nairobi River regeneration inspection tour in Lakisama.
The MCA was greeted by ecstatic residents who broke into chants of “Ringo! Ringo!” — a moment that many local analysts interpret as a spontaneous show of loyalty rather than orchestrated mobilisation.
Throughout the visit, Ochola appeared firmly in command of the local political mood, receiving sustained cheers that underscored his enduring grassroots appeal.
The high-profile event also drew several Nairobi political heavyweights, including:
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor (popularly known as Jalas)
Makadara MP George Aladwa
Other county and party leaders
Their presence elevated the political significance of the Lakisama stop, turning what was primarily a development tour into a subtle gauge of local political strength.
Not all leaders enjoyed a smooth reception. Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo, alias Matakwei, reportedly faced repeated interruptions during his address — a sharp contrast to the warm welcome accorded to Ochola.
When Ochola finally took the microphone, the crowd response suggested a politician whose influence in Lakisama remains robust, with many residents openly signalling continued support.
Ochola’s allies attribute his sustained popularity to a development-focused approach during his first term. Among the initiatives frequently cited by supporters are:
Improvement of key link roads within the ward
Promotion and support of informal jua kali artisans
Installation of water tanks supporting youth-run car wash businesses
Expansion of ward-based bursary programmes
Support for mama mboga table-banking (merry-go-round) groups
These grassroots interventions have helped craft an image of a hands-on ward representative — a factor that could prove decisive in 2027.
Politically, Ochola has positioned himself as an advocate of the emerging broad-based cooperation between ODM and UDA-aligned leaders, joining like-minded MCAs across Nairobi in supporting collaborative governance frameworks.
During the tour, President Ruto emphasised the National Government’s partnership with Nairobi County in transforming the capital.
“In partnership with the County Government of Nairobi, we are building a modern, functional city — one that is liveable, secure, orderly, and environmentally responsible,” the President said.
He pointed to the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme as central to reshaping the city’s future and highlighted the completed trunk sewer line in Lucky Summer as a milestone in improving sanitation and dignity for residents.
In a politically charged moment, Ruto dismissed critics and projected confidence ahead of 2027.
“There will be only two contestants — those who have something to show and those with empty rhetoric,” he declared, urging Nairobi residents to back Governor Sakaja’s development partnership with the National Government.
Governor Sakaja, however, clarified that the county had not transferred its constitutional functions to the National Government, describing the arrangement strictly as a partnership.
With nearly two years to the polls, Lakisama Ward is already shaping up as a closely watched political battleground. If recent crowd dynamics and development narratives hold, Victor Omondi Ochola may indeed be positioning himself as a formidable contender — but as Nairobi politics has repeatedly shown, momentum can shift quickly.
For now, however, the Lakisama MCA appears firmly in the game — and perhaps, just perhaps, a sure bet to watch.
