By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 11 December 2025 - Rodgers Okeya’s decision to join the Kisumu gubernatorial race has injected a fresh political narrative into a contest long dominated by established political heavyweights.
Presenting himself as a reform-minded outsider, Okeya frames his candidacy as a response to what he describes as systemic governance failures that have hindered the county’s economic growth since devolution began.
Unlike traditional contenders who rely heavily on party machinery and legacy networks, Okeya positions himself through a governance and accountability lens.
His background as an auditor allows him to argue that Kisumu’s economic challenges are rooted less in resource scarcity and more in inefficient systems, weak internal controls, and institutionalised corruption.
He has consistently maintained that unlocking Kisumu’s economic potential requires structural reforms that restore integrity to public finance management and ensure that county resources translate into real development.
In announcing his bid, Okeya emphasised that he enters the race as a representative of a constituency that has often felt sidelined in political decision-making. “I represent the voice of the young people,” he said, adding that his leadership vision is grounded in inclusivity.
He pledged that both the youth and the county’s diverse interests will be taken care of should he be elected, framing his campaign as a bridge between generational expectations and long-standing community priorities.
This youth-centered positioning signals a strategic attempt to tap into a growing demographic that has become increasingly impatient with governance patterns driven by patronage rather than performance.
Many young voters in Kisumu—like elsewhere in Kenya—have expressed frustration over unemployment, limited opportunities, and a political class that they believe recycles old promises without achieving meaningful change.
More from Kenya
Okeya appears keen to channel this sentiment into a political movement anchored in economic patriotism, job creation, and transparent service delivery.
Still, the broader political terrain presents a formidable challenge. Kisumu’s gubernatorial race is expected to feature figures with entrenched political networks and deep party loyalty.
Traditional political structures in the region remain influential, meaning Okeya must translate his message into grassroots mobilisation capable of competing with candidates who enjoy long-standing countywide visibility.
Yet his critique of devolution’s shortcomings—particularly the replication of centralised power dynamics at the county level—could resonate among voters disillusioned by slow or uneven progress.
His argument that economic transformation requires accountability, not just funding, positions him as a reformist voice in a race where governance records will be under close scrutiny.
As the campaign season unfolds, Okeya’s prospects will depend on his ability to broaden his message beyond youth circles, build alliances across Kisumu’s political blocs, and present a credible alternative to candidates with stronger party machinery.
His challenge will be to turn a governance-driven message into a political force capable of disrupting long-standing electoral patterns in the county.
Even so, his entry has already altered the tone of the race. By foregrounding youth representation, inclusivity, and economic integrity, Okeya brings a new dimension to Kisumu’s political conversation—one that forces traditional candidates to reckon with a constituency increasingly unwilling to accept politics as usual.
