In May 2022 the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal had to arbitrate the ODM Party primaries for Gem and issue the party ticket to Elisha Odhiambo Akuba, following tensely disputed outcomes. This was because the party favourite Dr. Jalang’o Midiwo had failed to garner convincing votes to make a ruling in his favor and no matter how much arm-twisting from party nabobs Elisha was standing his ground.
For the 2027 elections, the political scenario in Gem has changed drastically. The incumbent Elisha Odhiambo Akuba is now actively not a member of the party though he hangs on proudly to his life membership certificate. His popularity in the Constituency has also waned somehow following his association with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.
This is not saying that Elisha who will be defending his seat with the advantage of incumbency and a well-known political terrain will be a walkover. No.
But his formidable presence in the last election has been considerably weakened by several facts, among them the litmus test that an incumbent is usually judged against his performance record.
Then enters Dr. Christine Ombaka whose clout as a politician is even mightier than Akuba’s, having served in the role of Siaya MP for three straight terms (since the advent of devolution). Ombaka also has the gender card in her favor and on a head-to-head contest with Akuba could easily triumph. That is if the two were contesting against each other.
Coincidentally, the Gem Constituency Parliamentary seat has attracted more than the two contenders and in this article we are going to examine why it’s prudent for ODM Party to cast it’s net wide.
As the race for the Gem Constituency Parliamentary seat gains momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, a new and formidable contender has thrown his hat into the ring: Michael Abala Wanga, the accomplished Kisumu City Manager and current Chairman of the City Managers Caucus Kenya. With a proven track record in urban transformation, governance, and strategic development, Wanga presents a compelling case as the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) most promising candidate for Gem.
From Kisumu to Gem: A Legacy of Transformation
Wanga’s tenure as Kisumu City Manager has been nothing short of revolutionary. Under his leadership, Kisumu has risen to become one of the cleanest and most organized cities in East Africa. He spearheaded a bold urban renewal program that improved waste management systems, introduced sustainable city planning, and enhanced public service delivery — efforts that have not only won national acclaim but also caught the attention of regional leaders seeking to emulate Kisumu’s urban renaissance.
Through a people-centered leadership style and meticulous execution of county plans, Wanga has turned around a city once marred by infrastructural decay and administrative inefficiency. His ability to mobilize stakeholders — from private investors and development partners to community groups — shows a rare blend of administrative tact and visionary leadership.
If Wanga could achieve this level of transformation in a complex urban environment like Kisumu, imagine what he could do for a rural and underutilized gem like Gem Constituency.
Why Wanga is the Right Fit for ODM
The ODM Party, long anchored in the values of progressive leadership, development, and grassroots empowerment, needs candidates who embody its vision for a new Kenya. Michael Abala Wanga is not just a technocrat; he is a seasoned public servant whose career aligns perfectly with ODM’s mission.
Unlike the political status quo characterized by rhetoric and inertia, Wanga brings a results-driven approach that has been tested and proven. His candidacy offers ODM an opportunity to front a development-focused leader who can bridge the gap between policy and action — a crucial need for a constituency yearning for real transformation.
While his rivals — including Dr. Christine Ombaka, and the incumbent MP Elisha Odhiambo Akuba, and other emerging aspirants — have played their parts in shaping Gem’s political landscape, Wanga introduces something different: administrative depth, clean governance credentials, and an unblemished public service record.
What Wanga Could Mean for Gem Constituency
Gem is a constituency rich in talent, history, and potential, but one that continues to lag behind in critical areas such as infrastructure, youth empowerment, and agribusiness modernization. With Wanga at the helm, residents can expect a deliberate and strategic shift in how development is conceived and delivered.
Among his proposed focus areas:
Revamping rural infrastructure, including feeder roads, to boost trade and accessibility.
Youth empowerment programs that go beyond handouts, anchored in skill development and enterprise incubation.
Modernization of agriculture through cooperatives, irrigation projects, and agritech.
Transparent governance and community-based budgeting to ensure resources reach the grassroots.
Wanga’s leadership style promises inclusion, efficiency, and performance. His experience managing donor-funded programs and aligning them with county priorities could attract much-needed investment into Gem, making it a model constituency not just in Siaya, but across Nyanza.
The Winds of Change
The political winds in Gem are shifting, and the electorate is increasingly demanding leaders who can move from promises to tangible results. Michael Abala Wanga represents that change — a bridge between tested governance and visionary politics.
In a season where political parties must choose leaders not just for loyalty but for their capacity to deliver, ODM would be wise to back Wanga — a candidate whose success in Kisumu could be the blueprint for the next chapter of development in Gem.
Gem deserves more. Wanga offers more.
Leave a Reply