In a packed independent church service — the kind where worshippers “withgi wilgo” (lose themselves completely in praise) — a prominent Siaya political figure with deep managerial experience dropped a political bombshell: he is officially running for governor in 2027 on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party ticket.
The dramatic announcement, made amid fervent worship, marks the earliest major declaration in what is shaping up to be a bruising intra-party contest against incumbent Governor James Orengo.
The aspirant, CPA Dr. William Odhiambo Oduol, who commands strong support in Alego-Usonga constituency (home to roughly 140,000 registered voters), began by thanking the congregation for prayers during personal hardships and for remembering Christine Opondo, his wife, who recently underwent successful hip replacement surgery and is observing six weeks of bed rest.
He then laid out five clear reasons for ending his 3.5 years of public silence and entering the race:
Gratitude for prayers that helped him through tough times and a desire to prevent future hardships for Siaya residents through better leadership.
Broken promises by the current administration — a “Siaya Manyien” (New Siaya) where children actually attend school, farmers receive timely seeds and fertilizer, elders walk empowered alongside leaders, and needy students get meaningful bursaries of KSh 300,000–500,000 remains undelivered.
A deliberate 3.5-year quiet period of listening and reflection.
Widespread discontent: after extensive consultations, no one he spoke to believes Siaya is on the right development trajectory.
The 2022 ODM manifesto sold to voters — which he personally helped craft — is implementable but has been left gathering dust.
“Siaya has no administrator,” he declared bluntly. “Governance requires management. What we have is a legislator, not a manager of my level.”
He reminded the congregation of 2013, when he was poised to clinch the governorship only for party nomination irregularities to derail his bid — a painful episode that still resonates with many loyalists.
At the same time, he firmly endorsed the national broad-based government arrangement, citing tangible projects now underway: dredging of Asembo pier, ongoing ring-road construction, upgrades at Usenge fish landing site, and affordable housing initiatives. He placed himself squarely alongside Siaya leaders already backing the arrangement — Dr Oburu Oginga, Energy Cabinet Secretary James Wandayi, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and others.
The declaration blends spiritual renewal with hard-nosed politics. After years seeking “spiritual nourishment” in independent churches, the leader says he is ready to translate faith-inspired vision into county transformation.
Political observers note the early timing is strategic. By declaring now, the aspirant aims to frame the narrative around managerial competence, delivery failures, and the benefits of national cooperation — potentially splitting ODM’s dominant vote in the county long before 2027.
With Siaya remaining an ODM stronghold and Governor Orengo enjoying strong name recognition from his long legal and legislative career, the race already promises high-stakes drama. Will “Siaya Manyien” become the rallying cry that reshapes the county’s future, or will the incumbent’s track record hold firm?
One thing is certain: Siaya politics just got a lot louder.
