By Anderson Ojwang
The battle for the Siaya gubernatorial seat has taken shape after Deputy Governor Dr William Oduol Denge declared his candidature for the seat in the 2027 General Election.
Oduol, in a move to reclaim his 2013 dream of Siaya Manyien, declared his interest during interdenominational prayers attended by over 3,000 pastors and bishops drawn from across the county.
“Today, the 2013 Siaya Manyien is reactivated, and I declare my candidature for the Siaya gubernatorial seat. My candidature was blessed by the bishops and the priests, and I am confident of winning the election,” he said in an interview.
Oduol said the 2022 manifesto of Governor James Orengo was largely his idea and that he wants to implement it in 2027 when he is elected as the third governor of Siaya.
“Today, I was honoured to host interdenominational prayers at my home, led by independent churches from various wards, as we committed the New Year to God and sought guidance for the journey ahead.”
Oduol declared his gubernatorial interest on an ODM ticket and aligned himself with the wing of the broad-based government headed by the party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga.
“On this occasion, I also took the opportunity to declare my intention to vie for the position of governor in 2027 on an ODM ticket,” he said.
Oduol said that at the appropriate time, he would present himself for nomination alongside other interested candidates, in the true spirit of democracy within the party.
“I remain a strong supporter of the broad-based government arrangement, which I firmly believe offers the surest path to unity, stability, and meaningful transformation for the great people of Siaya,” he said.
He took a swipe at Orengo, saying Siaya County needs a governance expert — a proven administrator capable of delivering rapid, people-centred transformation — and not political activists.
“I am confident that together, we can make this dream a reality. We are firmly on course towards realising the dream of Siaya Manyien,” he said.
Oduol has been the county’s forgotten deputy governor, pushed to the periphery by the powers that be at the county government. He survived an impeachment, and the Orengo administration effectively banished him from government, although he enjoys massive support across the county.
Despite his contribution to the election victory, Oduol has remained an unwanted man, scorned and disliked at the county government for his alleged anti-corruption crusade and a fallout with Orengo.
For the second time in his political career, Oduol became a victim of political power after he was denied victory in the 2013 Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination for the governor’s seat. The party leadership opted to award the certificate to the little-known Cornel Rasanga Amoth, who went on to serve for two terms.
Rasanga won the contested gubernatorial election, but his victory was short-lived after the Kisumu High Court nullified the results. In the repeat election, Rasanga won again, while Oduol took a political break in 2017.
However, in the 2022 General Election, ODM and Orengo recruited Oduol into their camp and made him the running mate, a move that catapulted them to victory.
After the election, a fallout between Orengo and Oduol emerged over alleged corruption in the administration and other malpractices. The Siaya County Assembly passed a motion to impeach Oduol, but the Senate rescued him from the jaws of his political enemies, giving him a new lease of life.
“The office of the deputy governor has been completely disabled. All staff have been directed not to communicate with or take instructions from the DG. The DG is not invited to cabinet meetings, and his benefits and allowances have been withdrawn, including fuel for his official county vehicle,” Oduol said.
Oduol said his attempts to reconcile with Orengo had been rebuffed, forcing him to take a back seat and observe from the sidelines.
“I have made many attempts to reach out to Orengo without any success. I have decided to take a back seat, but I am happy that I have been vindicated. All the MPs from Siaya have raised the same issues I raised in 2022 — over lack of leadership, graft, lethargy and a hands-off management style, among many others,” he said.
