By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 17 July 2026 - The battle to succeed outgoing Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o gathered fresh momentum on Friday after Kisumu West MP Rozaah Buyu formally declared her bid for the county's top seat, promising to offer what she termed a new vision of inclusive and responsive leadership.
Buyu unveiled her gubernatorial ambitions during a packed worship service in Kisumu, telling congregants she had sought God's guidance before deciding to enter the race.
"I stand before you today having reflected deeply and prayed earnestly. I am offering myself to the people of Kisumu because I believe our county is ready for a new chapter of leadership anchored on service, integrity and practical solutions," Buyu said.
"I know the responsibility that comes with this office. I am ready for it. I ask the people of Kisumu to walk this journey with me, to believe in this vision and, when the time comes, to entrust me with their vote. Above all, I pray that God grants me wisdom, humility and courage to serve His people faithfully."
She said her administration would focus on expanding economic opportunities, empowering young people and women, improving public services and ensuring every part of the county benefited from development.
"Our people deserve leadership that listens, consults and delivers. I want to be part of building a county where opportunity is shared fairly and every resident feels included in our development journey," she added.
Her declaration injects fresh energy into what is already emerging as one of the most competitive gubernatorial races in the country.
Buyu joins a formidable field of leaders believed to be eyeing the seat, among them Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron, Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili, Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and former Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura.
Dr Oron, who attended the church service, prayed for God's wisdom and guidance, saying leadership should remain an opportunity to serve rather than to seek power.
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The event also attracted Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro, who openly declared his support for Buyu's candidature, describing her as a capable leader with the experience to steer the county into its next phase of development.
Governor Nyong'o, whose message was delivered by County Executive Committee Member for Finance George Okongo, urged politicians to safeguard peace and uphold democratic values as the political season gathers momentum.
"As we approach another electoral cycle, I appeal to every leader and every citizen to protect the peace that Kisumu has worked hard to build," Nyong'o said.
"Political competition must never become a source of division or hostility. Democracy flourishes where ideas compete peacefully, where opponents respect one another and where elections strengthen rather than weaken our social fabric."
He added: "Let us conduct ourselves with dignity, tolerance and restraint. Leadership is ultimately about serving the people, not creating conflict among them. I pray that peace and tranquillity continue to prevail in Kisumu and across our nation as Kenyans prepare to exercise their democratic rights."
Representing the governor, Okongo echoed the appeal, urging aspirants to conduct issue-based campaigns that unite rather than divide residents.
With more than a year remaining before Kenyans head to the polls, the succession race in Kisumu is already taking shape, with church gatherings increasingly becoming platforms where leading contenders unveil their ambitions and seek both public goodwill and spiritual blessing ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested election.