In the politically charged heart of Luo Nyanza, the contest for Siaya Governor in 2027 is rapidly taking shape—and the momentum appears to be swinging decisively toward Deputy Governor Dr. William Oduol. With ODM showing clear signs of internal fracturing, major rivals bowing out, and challengers mounting lukewarm campaigns, Oduol’s blend of experience, anti-corruption credentials, and party loyalty positions him as the candidate to beat. Adding intrigue to the mix, the grapevine is ripe with whispers of a potential Oduol-Okode ticket, which political insiders say would be unbeatable, leveraging the deputy governor’s rising star with the strategic prowess of a key ally.
The biggest game-changer came when Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi—once viewed as a heavyweight threat—publicly ruled out a gubernatorial run. Instead, Wandayi has thrown his support behind President William Ruto’s 2027 reelection bid, highlighting national achievements like expanded last-mile electricity connectivity. His withdrawal clears a major obstacle for Oduol and streamlines the battlefield, especially if Wandayi withholds any endorsement from other contenders.
This leaves the race largely pitting an ODM ticket holder—likely either incumbent Governor James Orengo or Oduol—against a scattered field of outsiders. Orengo, a longtime political heavyweight, faces growing headwinds. Reports of poor service delivery, prolonged absences sparking public concern, and tensions with party elders including Oburu Odinga have eroded his once-dominant standing. Accusations of internal blackmail and rebel tendencies within ODM have further complicated his path to reelection, with some polls and ground sentiment suggesting his popularity has dipped significantly.
Enter Dr. William Oduol, the deputy governor who has boldly declared his candidacy on an ODM ticket. In January 2026, Oduol officially announced his bid during a fellowship with religious leaders, citing the need for better service delivery and reactivation of his 2013 momentum. As a key figure in the “Linda Ground” faction dedicated to protecting ODM’s stronghold in Siaya, Oduol is rallying supporters to safeguard the county’s Orange loyalty. His upcoming events, including planned gatherings, underscore his commitment to party turf.
Oduol brings a formidable resume to the table. A professional manager with corporate accolades, he has earned a reputation as a relentless workhorse. He famously defeated Oburu Odinga in the 2013 ODM nominations and made history as the first to successfully challenge a gubernatorial election result in Kenya. As deputy governor, Oduol stood firm against corruption—even when it cost him privileges—without relying on party heavyweights’ blessings. Now aligning more closely with ODM structures amid Orengo’s perceived rebel status, Oduol’s authenticity and track record give him a clear edge in a potential head-to-head matchup.
Fueling speculation about his unstoppable trajectory is the buzz around a possible alliance with George Okode, the long-standing Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly and one of the shrewdest political operatives in the landscape. Okode’s close association with the Orengo administration could mar his own direct path to victory if he contests, but insiders suggest he might throw his formidable hold on the MCAs behind Oduol. This move would honor the unspoken rotational symmetry of Siaya leadership—after Alego-Usonga comes Rarieda next—ensuring a balanced power dynamic while bolstering Oduol’s campaign with unmatched legislative influence.
The rest of the field struggles to gain traction. Former Rarieda MP Nicholas Odero Gumbo, once seen as Orengo’s strongest potential challenger, has mounted a notably subdued effort. Having paid his UDA aspirant fees and boasting a strong past performance—including a solid showing in previous races—Gumbo’s half-hearted ground game has fueled speculation that he may be positioning for a cabinet role in the next national government rather than a full gubernatorial push. His influence remains formidable, but the energy appears lacking this cycle.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng of the MDG Party has confined his campaign largely to his home bases of Ugenya and Alego-Usonga, raising questions about whether he’s awaiting signals to expand or simply testing limited waters. Other names floating in social media discussions—such as Raphael Tuju, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, and various political newcomers—have yet to demonstrate serious on-the-ground momentum or indelible claims.
As ODM grapples with factionalism and Orengo navigates doubts about his viability, Oduol stands out as the most consistent, credible, and battle-tested contender. He has run for high office before, including as a running mate in 2022, and his principled stand on integrity resonates in a county weary of unfulfilled promises.
With Wandayi’s exit tilting the scales, ODM’s internal battles raging, and the tantalizing prospect of an Oduol-Okode powerhouse duo, the writing on the wall grows clearer: if the race narrows to Oduol versus Orengo, the deputy governor’s qualifications, grit, and growing alliances could turn victory into a near-certainty. Siaya voters craving authentic leadership and real change may soon rally behind the man who has consistently walked the talk. The road to 2027 just got a lot more interesting—and a lot clearer for Dr. William Oduol.
