By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 16 December 2025 - Former Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura’s announcement that he will run as an independent candidate in the Kisumu gubernatorial race has immediately altered the political landscape in the county.
His decision to sidestep party structures, particularly the crowded Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, signals a deliberate strategy to avoid a potentially bruising nomination battle.
This is especially significant given that the ODM field includes several prominent figures, among them the county’s current deputy governor, sitting MPs, the senator, and the county woman representative, all regarded as strong contenders.
By opting to run independently, Obura is positioning himself as a candidate who appeals directly to the electorate, bypassing party hierarchies and the often fractious nomination processes.
His approach is likely to resonate with voters frustrated by partisan politics and seeking more performance-oriented leadership.
Obura’s campaign emphasises pragmatic local issues such as health service delivery, road infrastructure, sanitation, agricultural support, and early childhood education, indicating a strategy centred on tangible county development rather than political allegiances.
The Kisumu governor’s race is gradually taking shape as aspirants extend their campaigns across the county’s seven sub-counties, engaging in early vote-hunting and consolidating support bases.
Obura’s independent stance could provide him with an advantage among voters who fear that a crowded party nomination might dilute their preferred candidate’s chances.
It also enables him to craft a campaign narrative focused on direct accountability and service delivery, in contrast to opponents embedded in party machinery.
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While running independently offers the appeal of autonomy and a direct connection with voters, it also presents structural challenges.
Candidates without party backing often face limited access to campaign financing, reduced visibility, and the logistical burden of mobilising voters across the county without the established networks that parties provide.
Obura’s campaign will require a robust grassroots strategy to overcome these obstacles and convert his independent appeal into votes.
The entry of new aspirants further complicates the contest. Some have yet to declare whether they will run independently or under a party banner, adding an element of unpredictability.
As the race takes shape, early campaigns are increasingly focused on building community-level support, underscoring the importance of each sub-county in forming a winning coalition.
Obura’s move highlights a growing trend in Kenyan politics where candidates are prepared to challenge traditional party dominance, particularly in counties historically aligned with a single party.
His independent bid may not only influence the outcome of this election but could also reshape the dynamics of future contests in Kisumu, placing greater emphasis on governance and local accountability over party loyalty.
As the campaign intensifies, the race in Kisumu promises to test whether independent candidates can successfully navigate a political landscape long dominated by party structures, and whether voters are ready to prioritise issue-based leadership over historical party allegiance.
