By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 14 June 2026 - A growing coalition of sitting and former Members of the County Assembly has thrown its weight behind Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron, signalling what political observers view as an increasingly organised grassroots push ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
The show of support was on full display during a public engagement forum in West Nyakach Ward, where local leaders led by area MCA James Ojemo publicly endorsed Oron's bid for the county's top seat.
Speaking during the forum, Ojemo said Oron had earned the confidence of local leaders through years of community service that predated his election to Parliament.
“Leadership is not about promises made during campaigns. It is about the impact one makes when no election is in sight. Dr Oron has invested in education, health and water projects that have directly transformed lives in West Nyakach and beyond. That is why we are confidently standing with him today,” said Ojemo.
The MCA pointed to Oron's sponsorship of more than 100 vulnerable students in the ward as evidence of what he termed a practical and sustained commitment to improving lives through education.
The endorsement comes amid a series of similar engagements across Nyando and Muhoroni constituencies, with another major mobilisation event expected in Seme in the coming weeks.
Political analysts say the support of ward representatives could prove decisive in a countywide race where grassroots mobilisation remains one of the most effective campaign tools.
Leading the charge was Onjiko Awasi MCA Maurice Ngeta, who pledged to spearhead intensive door-to-door campaigns in support of Oron's candidature.
“We are supporting Dr Oron because he has shown that leadership can be measured through service. His interventions in health, education and social development have touched many households. We believe he has the vision and capacity to take that development agenda to the county level,” said Ngeta.
Ngeta noted that residents were increasingly gravitating towards leaders with a demonstrable record of service delivery rather than political rhetoric.
The coalition also attracted support from former MCAs led by former East Seme ward representative Aggrey Ogosi, whose group vowed to deploy their experience and networks to strengthen Oron's campaign at the grassroots.
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“Our support is informed by experience. We have worked with communities, participated in elections and understand what residents expect from their leaders. We believe Dr Oron represents a credible option for the future leadership of Kisumu County,” said Ogosi.
Nyalenda B MCA James Were said Kisumu's next phase of development would require leadership anchored on proven performance and a deep understanding of local challenges.
“Kisumu needs leadership that understands the challenges facing ordinary wananchi and has demonstrated the ability to address them. Dr Oron has shown consistency in service and development, and that is why many leaders across the county are increasingly identifying with his vision,” said Were.
The endorsements add fresh momentum to Oron's gubernatorial ambitions as competition for the seat continues to take shape.
Other figures associated with the race include Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili, Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu.
However, Oron's camp believes its greatest strength lies not in high-profile endorsements but in an expanding grassroots structure built around ward leaders, former MCAs and community networks.
Supporters argue that the strategy offers a direct link to voters at the village level, where political loyalty is often cultivated through personal engagement and long-term community involvement.
With just over a year before Kenyans head to the polls, the emerging alliance around Oron is positioning itself as a formidable grassroots movement that could significantly influence the shape of the Kisumu gubernatorial race.
Whether that momentum ultimately translates into electoral victory remains to be seen, but for now, the message from a growing number of ward leaders is unmistakable: Dr Joshua Oron's campaign is steadily gaining ground from the grassroots upwards.