DNK International By Eric Juma,Siaya
Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol has declared his intention to run for governor seat in the 2027 elections.
His announcement sets the stage for a bruising political showdown with his boss, Governor James Orengo.
Oduol said his long held ambition to lead Siaya, anchored on the Nyalore manifesto, was derailed by entrenched cartels he claims orchestrated his impeachment in 2023 after he exposed corruption within the county administration.
He said his gubernatorial dream dates back to 2013 but was shelved at the time due to an unfavourable political climate, a decision that disappointed residents eager for change.
In 2022, he added, he softened his hardline stance, swallowed his pride and agreed to deputise Orengo on a joint ticket, believing it would help transform the lives of Siaya residents.
However, Oduol accused the Orengo administration of abandoning their joint manifesto following what he termed a “cold war” between them that erupted in 2023.
He said the fallout stalled development and dashed hopes that Orengo’s celebrated legal acumen would lift the county out of poverty, hunger and disease.
“My vision for Siaya was diminished the moment impeachment proceedings were initiated against me for unearthing corrupt deals that threatened service delivery,” Oduol said.
He claimed attempts were made to end his political career at the County Assembly and the Senate but said he survived through divine intervention, strengthening his resolve to pursue the county’s top seat.
“I have learned hard lessons from my political journey and I am now hardened enough to face Orengo head on in the coming polls,” he said.
Oduol said he deliberately kept quiet for the last three years to give the Governor space to deliver, insisting he did not want to be perceived as an obstacle to development.
“I did not want people to see Oduol as a stumbling block to Siaya’s progress,” he said.
Speaking at his Kadenge home, where he hosted clergy for prayers, Oduol said even leaders who once doubted his claims of corruption within the county government had since distanced themselves from the administration.
He argued that Siaya needs a manager and administrator rather than what he termed “activist leadership”, adding that devolution had failed to yield its full benefits under the current leadership.
While seeking blessings from his clan, Oduol confirmed he would seek the governorship on an ODM ticket.
“I am back home to seek God’s favour and blessings from my people ahead of the public declaration of my bid,” he said, adding that he intends to revive the abandoned manifesto focusing on roads, empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities, food security and education equality.
He predicted a fierce contest during ODM primaries, saying Alego/Usonga would be decisive, citing its growing voter numbers.
Oduol also aligned himself with leaders supporting the broadnbased government, praising national government projects in Siaya, including the completion of the county stadium and construction of a Level Six hospital.
Governor Orengo, however, dismissed his deputy’s bid, expressing confidence he will secure a second term.
“These are side shows that will not distract me from delivering for the people of Siaya,” Orengo said, listing completed and ongoing projects including the Siriwo rice mill, roads upgrades, health facility improvements, absorption of ECD teachers on permanent terms, school feeding programmes and farm input subsidies.
“I am confident the people will judge my record fairly,” the governor added.
As 2027 approaches, the once united ticket appears headed for a high stakes internal battle that could reshape Siaya’s political landscape.
[DNK-International@January 10,2026]
