By Special Correspondent
Walter Okelo, the governance wheeler-dealer in the County Government of Siaya, has thrown his weight into the political arena, crisscrossing the county to galvanize support for his senatorial bid in next year’s elections.
In January, Okelo announced that he would run for the Siaya senatorial seat if the incumbent, Dr. Oburu Oginga, decides not to seek reelection.
Famously known as Nyaliech or Jaramogi, the youthful aspirant has been organizing youth-led events through his organization, the Walter Okelo Mentorship Program (WOMP). These initiatives blend entertainment, talent showcasing, and civic empowerment particularly ID and voter registrations to mobilize and empower young people ahead of future elections.
Last November, Okelo organized a two-week soccer tournament called “The Great Asembo Tournament,” which brought together various teams from East and West Asembo Wards in Rarieda Sub-County.
Partnering with Huduma Centre and the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission ( IEBC), the event doubled as a major civic drive, offering on-site ID and voter registration. The highlight was the registration of 1,200 new IDs, a massive achievement that empowered thousands of youth to participate fully in democratic processes. Talent promotion shone through as well, with emerging local artists and performers entertaining crowds during matches and breaks, underscoring community pride and creative exposure.
The well-attended tournament culminated in Rarieda FC defeating Ujwang’a FC to emerge as winners in the finals, held at Rarieda Primary School on November 30, 2025. The event was graced by Ms. Nancy Wasama, the Chief Officer for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth Affairs in the County Government of Kisumu, who commended the blend of sport, talent nurturing, and civic education.
In December, Okelo was arguably one of the most visible and busiest leaders in the county, meeting with various groups including women, youth, widows, student leaders, the elderly, and other stakeholders across Siaya.
The climax of his activities was the Gen Z Crossover Street Bash, held on December 31st in the heart of Bondo town.
Upcoming artists, comedians, musicians, dancers, and models took center stage, showcasing raw talent in music, comedy, fashion, and performance with many receiving their first major spotlight through WOMP’s deliberate investment in nurturing young creatives.
Amid the glitz, the event too incorporated voter and ID registration drives, encouraging attendees to secure their civic documents and prepare to vote, aligning entertainment with empowerment for long-term civic participation.
The colourful event featured a spectacular midnight fireworks display amid cheers from thousands of young people who attended.
This event also served as a premier platform for exposing and exploring the creative potentials of Siaya’s youth.
This year, Okelo, who currently serves as Chief Officer in charge of Governance, Administration, and ICT, has intensified his countywide activities, with observers noting that he has set the bar exceptionally high for other prospective aspirants eyeing the same seat.
“There are aspirants for Siaya Senate seat, then there’s Walter Okelo, he has been able to carve his own niche,” observed one ODM top official who requested anonymity for fear of being reprimanded.
The 40-year-old former ODM Nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) also visited Canon Dr. Ida Odinga, the widow of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, at her Karen home. While the details of their discussions remain scanty, it is believed that Okelo formally placed his political agenda on the table. Mama Ida’s influence in ODM’s ranks and file cannot be gainsaid. It is reported that she has been one of the key figures trying to ensure that the party remains united after the demise of her spouse.
On January 22nd, as a governance practitioner and public policy analyst, he made his maiden media appearance on The Situation Room, popular morning radio show on Spice FM.
The show that also airs on KTN is always known for delivering unfiltered, in-depth discussions on politics, governance, devolution, economy, accountability, current affairs, and national issues featuring high-profile guests, analysts and leaders.
There, he discussed predictable funding and fiscal responsibility in devolved governance, delving into topics such as the budget-making process, public participation, accountability, people-centered projects, funding, borrowing, economic performance, and other issues in the devolved space.
The interview provided an ideal platform to showcase his deep understanding of topical issues in politics, the economy, governance, and devolution.
This month, through WOMP, Hon. Okelo organized another key event for young people in Alego Usonga Constituency.
Dubbed “Party in the Park – Valentine’s Edition”, the event took place at the Governor’s Park in Siaya town on February 14, 2026.
The day-long celebration themed “Love, Leadership and Unity” equally served as a platform to showcase talents among Siaya youths.
Participants included the Siaya Icon Dance Crew delivering electrifying performances, comedians Yobo Yosh, Kurutu, and Onyulo cracking up the crowds, Starlight models strutting the stage, and musicians Papa T and Japesa belting out hits providing a vibrant platform to promote and motivate emerging local talents. The event also featured ID and voter registration booths, urging youth to get registered and empowered as active citizens, blending romance, fun, creativity, and civic responsibility into one epic experience.
That he has been able to organize well-attended flamboyant events characterized by glitz, glamour, pomp, and colour while consistently driving ID/voter registrations and talent promotion is an indicator that his candidature is not an afterthought but a well-planned journey. Analysts believe that events preceding his January pronouncements and succeeding events thereafter point to a man who is leaving nothing to chance.
“Organizing events is a very expensive venture but also the most effective and efficient way to advance one’s interests both directly and indirectly,” observes Mr. Benson Yada, a political scientist who keenly follows the unfolding events in Siaya.
“That he is able to conduct massive events every month while escalating his activities 18 months to the General Election is a testament to his deep pockets and networks,” adds Mr. Yada.
According to Mr. Yada, Okelo’s series of bold moves is positioning him as one who is controlling the situation.
“The essence of power is the ability to keep the initiative, to get others to react to your moves, and to keep your opponents and those around you on the defensive,” adds Mr. Yada. “He is playing for long-term power rather than a quick victory.”
With political activities intensifying, it remains to be seen what major event Okelo will host next and which formation he will identify with as various factions emerge within ODM.
