By Pascal Ndegwa - Reporter
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Kenya, November 03, 2026 - Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement. He made the move on Tuesday at Chungwa House in Nairobi. ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati welcomed him into the party.
Poghisio left KANU to join ODM. He wants the party’s ticket to run for governor of West Pokot County in the 2027 general election. The party itself quickly called him its 2027 gubernatorial candidate for the county. A large group came with him, including several local leaders.
This is more than a simple party switch. Poghisio is a long-time politician from West Pokot. He once served as a Cabinet minister and later as Senate Majority Leader. He has deep roots in the area and knows the people well. For months he has been talking with local groups about the future of the county. He says the people want real change and better leadership.
ODM gains a seasoned name from the Rift Valley. The party is still finding its way after the death of its long-time leader last year. Bringing in experienced figures from other parties helps it look stronger and more national. For Poghisio, the orange party offers a bigger platform and clearer path to the governor’s office than staying in KANU.
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People in West Pokot will watch closely. The county faces many challenges, from dry seasons that hurt pastoralists to the need for better services. A new governor will face pressure to deliver. Poghisio’s move signals he believes ODM gives him the best chance to lead that work.
What happens next depends on how the party handles its tickets and how local support builds. For now, one of West Pokot’s best-known politicians has chosen a new political home. The choice shows how leaders are still shifting as the country prepares for the next big election.