Speaker George Okode Declares Bid for Siaya Governor, Says He Has Learnt County’s Pulse

Kenya, 25 May 2026 - For years, precisely 13, George Okode has been the composed figure at the heart of Siaya’s political machinery — measured in speech, deliberate in action and fiercely loyal to the institutions he serves.

Now, after 13 years as Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly and multiple stints as acting governor, Okode is finally stepping from the shadows of county leadership to openly pursue the county’s top seat.

And he is doing so with unmistakable confidence.

“I believe leadership is not about noise or political drama,” Okode said in an interview-style address to supporters after the ODM aspirants’ meeting in Kisumu. “Leadership is about trust, consistency and service. For over a decade, the people of Siaya have seen me manage institutions, protect devolution and ensure stability even during politically difficult moments. I now feel prepared to offer that experience at a higher level.”

His declaration came in dramatic fashion at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel during a high-profile ODM aspirants’ convention attended by ODM defacto party leader Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga and chair Gladys Wanga also the Homabay Governor.

When Okode realized he was the only gubernatorial aspirant present at the gathering, he rose and jokingly declared himself “the governor in waiting” — a remark that triggered electric laughter and applause across the packed hall.

But behind the humour was a calculated political signal from a man increasingly seen as positioning himself for a serious run should serving Siaya governor Snr counsel James Orengo opt for a possible presidential bid in 2027.

Political observers say Okode’s greatest advantage may lie in what allies describe as his “leadership maxim” — quiet efficiency, institutional loyalty and disciplined governance.

It is a reputation that earned him extraordinary trust from Governor Orengo, who repeatedly handed him the reins of county leadership whenever he travelled abroad on official duties — at times bypassing Deputy Governor William Oduol Denge.

One such assignment saw Okode serve for six months as acting governor, a responsibility that insiders say fundamentally transformed his political outlook.

“That experience opened my eyes to the immense potential of Siaya,” Okode said. “I saw where we are succeeding and where we must move faster. I interacted directly with wananchi, investors, development partners and county staff.