Power brokers Ruto banks on in bid to inherit Raila's constituency
Politics
By
James Omoro
| Nov 16, 2026
President William Ruto is received by former Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga in Migori during the southern Nyanza tour. [Courtesy]
Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay counties are emerging as critical battlegrounds in President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election.
With ODM leader Raila Odinga’s death opening a new chapter in the region’s political history, President Ruto and the opposition are keen to win the political support of the four counties.
The Luo Nyanza counties had approximately 2.16 million registered voters in 2022, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Kisumu had 606,754, Homa Bay 551,071, Siaya 533,595 and Migori 469,019.
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The four counties registered another 189,368 voters during the IEBC's Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which ended in April 2026, bringing the combined figure to approximately 2.35 million, based on the IEBC’s 2022 register and the new registrations.
The region is now up for grabs. Political analysts say the President’s success will depend not merely on the projects his administration launches but also on his ability to cultivate influential local leaders capable of translating government presence into grassroots support.
“Ruto is not simply seeking to win over an opposition stronghold but also to prevent the opposition from retaining the automatic electoral advantage built by Raila,” said lawyer Odete Oyieko.
That calculation by Ruto and the opposition places several politicians at the centre of the unfolding realignment. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is among the key players.
Mbadi has championed cooperation with the Ruto administration. His experience within ODM and national political networks gives him considerable influence in the debate over the party’s future. President Ruto has declared that Mbadi will contribute a chapter when he writes his autobiography.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is another important player. His political roots in Ugunja and experience as former National Assembly Minority Leader give him an edge.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, also commands influence through county structures and party machinery. “We must always be united under the ODM party,” Wanga said.
Then there’s Interior PS Raymond Omollo who’s considered to be the President ‘eye’ on the ground in Luo Nyanza region. “The PS, who braved the Azimio wave in 2022 to campaign for Ruto, is a tactician par excellence. He can make or break Ruto’s fortunes in Nyanza,” said political analyst Paul Ogingo.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga is considered one of the leaders who can influence Ruto’s support in the Nyanza region through the party's decisions.
Former Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga brings an important aspect. Having served in Parliament for 10 years, Mr Anyanga is good at mobilisation needed to navigate the region’s intricate political landscape.
As a former chairman of the Migori County parliamentary group, his defense of ODM’s cooperation with UDA places him among the voices shaping the region’s political conversation.
Former Migori County ODM Vice Chairman William Odhil said Anyanga is a key pillar in the mobilisation of voters for a political course in his county.
“Anyanga’s political charisma in Migori County makes him a good voter mobiliser. Ruto will have an advantage in Nyanza if leaders supporting him in the region combine their efforts to mobilise voters,” Odhil said.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko and Kisii’s Simba Arati, former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda are also influential figures whose county-level networks and political standing could shape the wider Nyanza debate.
However, analysts say that political influence doesn’t automatically translate into votes. Ruto’s gamble will be determined by more than political mobilisation by the above leaders. Economic opportunities and generational change will be key.
“Nobody has inherited Odinga’s political constituency. The battle for his political inheritance is just beginning,” Oyieko said.