Siaya Senatorial aspirant Walter Okelo has forcefully dismissed viral claims suggesting he has withdrawn from the 2027 Senate race, branding the reports “as fake as they come” and politically misleading.
The claims, which spread rapidly across social media platforms earlier Thursday, were attributed to a prominent Siaya-based political commentator who alleged that several aspirants—including Okelo—had abandoned their bids in favor of incumbent Oburu Odinga.
In the widely circulated commentary, the analyst questioned earlier efforts to unseat Dr. Oburu Odinga, arguing that such attempts underestimated the veteran politician’s “depth, experience, and strategic weight.” The post further claimed that former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, Okelo, and another aspirant, Masiro, had “thrown in the towel” after realizing the difficulty of mounting a successful challenge.
It also alleged that the trio had opted to withdraw early and rally behind Dr. Oburu Odinga in a show of unity—claims Okelo now firmly rejects.
Speaking in response, Okelo dismissed the narrative as baseless propaganda aimed at distorting the political landscape in Siaya.
“Those reports are completely false—as fake as they come. I am firmly in the race, and my resolve to offer leadership to the people of Siaya remains stronger than ever,” Walter Okelo told Siaya Today.
Okelo emphasized that no formal or informal discussions had taken place regarding his withdrawal, reiterating that the Senate contest remains open and competitive.
The viral post also claimed a broader political realignment in the county, alleging that Roy Onyango Odendo had stepped down from the gubernatorial race to support David Ochieng, alongside the Bondo MP. However, independent confirmation of these claims remains unclear.
Political observers note that as the 2027 race gradually takes shape, misinformation and premature declarations of alliances are increasingly becoming common tools in shaping public perception.
Okelo’s swift rebuttal underscores the intensifying battle for Siaya’s Senate seat, with aspirants keen to assert their presence and counter narratives that could undermine their campaigns.
As the political temperature rises, the Siaya electorate is expected to witness a highly competitive contest, with key players signaling that they are not backing down anytime soon.
