By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 11 June 2026 - A powerful coalition of Kano elders, religious leaders and community opinion shapers has thrown its weight behind Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron for the Kisumu governorship while simultaneously calling for restraint, civility and issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a consultative forum in Kano Doyen grounds, the leaders warned politicians against engaging in personal attacks, insults and inflammatory rhetoric that could undermine peace and social cohesion in the county.
Kano Council of Elders Chairman Walter Aluoch said the community had resolved to support Dr Oron's gubernatorial ambitions based on his leadership record and development credentials. However, he stressed that the endorsement should not be interpreted as hostility towards other aspirants.
"We have chosen to support Dr Joshua Oron because we believe he has demonstrated leadership qualities that can move Kisumu forward. But we want all candidates to be given an opportunity to sell their agenda peacefully. Politics should never be reduced to insults and character assassination," said Aluoch.
Respected elder Kasuku Kaloo expressed concern over the rising political temperatures and urged leaders to embrace mature engagement.
"The people of Kisumu deserve issue-based campaigns. Leaders must tell voters what they plan to do for the county instead of attacking their competitors. We must sanitize our politics and protect our young people from divisive messages," he said.
Kano Unity Chairman Thomas Isano Dulo said recent political exchanges had raised anxiety among residents and could easily inflame tensions if left unchecked.
"We are witnessing unnecessary verbal attacks that add no value to democratic competition. Leaders should focus on policies, development and service delivery. Personal attacks only breed hostility among supporters," he said.
Treasurer of the Kano Council of Elders Henry Yala cautioned that reckless statements by senior politicians could have unintended consequences among youths.
"When leaders exchange insults publicly, their supporters often take the cue and escalate the hostility. We must remember that peace is fragile and should never be taken for granted," said Yala.
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The elders appeared to be responding to recent political exchanges in which former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma publicly criticised Dr Oron, remarks that have generated heated debate within local political circles.
Kano Council of Elders Secretary-General Bernard Del warned that inflammatory language could deepen divisions and distract attention from the county's development priorities.
"Kisumu needs a healthy political contest. We should disagree respectfully. We should challenge ideas and policies, not personalities. The future of our county depends on maintaining unity even as we compete politically," he said.
The leaders unanimously appealed to all gubernatorial aspirants and their supporters to uphold peace as campaigns begin to gather momentum.
"We are reaching out to every political camp. Let us maintain decorum, mutual respect and peaceful engagement. Elections come and go, but the unity of our people must remain intact," Kaloo added.
The elders said they would continue engaging political leaders across the county to ensure that the road to 2027 is defined by constructive debate rather than confrontation.
Their message was clear: political competition is welcome, but incitement, insults and reckless utterances have no place in Kisumu's democratic future.