Race to succeed Orengo attracts four bigwigs as Siaya speaker joins race
Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode has announced his candidacy for the Siaya gubernatorial seat, joining a crowded field of four major political figures. The race is expected to be a highly competitive contest for the ODM party ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Why it matters
The internal competition within the ODM party in Siaya reflects broader political realignments and power struggles in Kenyan regional governance.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode during a recent meeting in Nairobi/ HANDOUT
The battle to succeed Siaya Governor James Orengo is rapidly turning into a heavyweight political contest ahead of next year's elections.
Siaya county assembly speaker George Okode has become the latest big name to throw his hat into the ring.
Okode’s entry brings to four the number of senior politicians openly positioning themselves for the governor’s seat.
This has set the stage for a bruising fight for the ODM ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Governor William Oduol, Ugenya MP David Ochieng and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo are already campaigning for the seat.
Orengo is widely expected not to seek re-election after his fallout with ODM leadership. He had declared interest in running for president.
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