By Anderson Ojwang
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili is emerging as the face of Kisumu and the holder of the peace legacy set by founding Governor Jack Ranguma and the incumbent Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Dr Owili is currently seen as the image of a peaceful Kisumu, which is under threat from goon politics that have left the city on the brink of political violence and intolerance.
Dr Owili’s non-confrontational, peaceful mien and non-association with goons is fast endearing him to the electorate, who see him as the image of the Kisumu they want.
Three recent incidents have placed Kisumu as an emerging red violent zone in the country: the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the failed attempts to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally in the city, and the violent incident at the burial of the father of Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, the late Mzee Okaka Nyikal.
Nyikal, the chairman of the Luo MP caucus popularly known as “Duol,” was not impressed at his father’s burial and called on Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda to rein in his goons.
At the burial, it was a show of goon might and a tip of the iceberg of the looming cancer in the community – the goon world and anarchy.
Siaya Governor James Orengo had to be escorted out of the funeral after youths chanting “two terms” moved closer to him, creating a security scare.
The chaos briefly disrupted the funeral programme and forced security officers to escort Orengo out of the venue to a safer exit.
Nyikal, the bereaved, lamented that the goons nearly killed his son at his father’s burial and was forced to ask Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda to go out and calm his goons.
“They nearly killed my son. I walked there to Senator Ojienda and asked him, ‘These people came with you. Can you tell them to stop?’ Senator, were you able to stop them?” he asked.
Nyikal said popularity is like love and cannot be bought with money, and wondered why fellow politicians walk to funerals in the company of goons.
“Let us be truly popular. Let us be able to walk to a funeral alone. I think popularity is like love. You cannot buy it with money. You may get it with money, but it will be lust,” he said.
Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga said the intolerance – that Orengo was shouted at and had to be removed from the funeral – was unacceptable.
“What is this intolerance, that Orengo is shouted at and escorted out because he has a divergent view from those sitting there? What is the bigger picture?” she said.
Odinga wondered why the community was being divided and made to fight one another.
“As the Luo, why does it take another Luo leader to sponsor youths to remove another leader from a function?” she quipped.
Ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally, threats of political violence were prominent, with Linda Ground lieutenants led by Alego MP Sam Atandi saying the group was not allowed in Kisumu.
Atandi wrote on his X handle: “No imposter will be allowed into Kisumu. Kisumu city must remain a peaceful city.”
He said Linda Mwananchi were not accepted in Kisumu and would not hold any rally in the lake city.
Interestingly, during the recent Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu, it was Dr Owili who came out to publicly state that all factions were allowed to conduct their political activities and that Kisumu was a democratic city.
In a statement, Dr Owili said: “The County Government of Kisumu takes note of recent events and public discourse and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to peace, unity, and orderly democratic engagement.”
He said political maturity was not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue, tolerance, and a shared vision for development.
“The conduct witnessed reflects a growing commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement, even in moments where opinions may differ. Kisumu County wishes to commend the people, leaders, and stakeholders who participated in yesterday’s engagements for demonstrating a high level of political maturity, restraint, and respect for one another,” he wrote.
Before the rally, Dr Owili said the County Government noted concerns raised regarding the alleged mobilization of goons and assured residents and investors that Kisumu remains firmly committed to upholding peace, law, and order.
“Any attempts to disrupt stability or incite disorder will not be tolerated, and relevant authorities will continue to remain vigilant,” he said.
Dr Owili said Kisumu continues to position itself as a key investment hub in the region, and maintaining a peaceful, stable, and predictable environment is critical to attracting investment, creating employment opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth.
“We call upon all stakeholders to safeguard the county’s reputation and support initiatives that promote unity and development. The County Government remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where dialogue prevails, institutions function effectively, and leadership is exercised with integrity and accountability. We urge all residents to continue embracing peace, unity, and mutual respect as we work together towards a prosperous future for Kisumu County,” he said.
Political analyst and resident Mr Obuya Gitembe said Dr Owili remains untainted and the perfect face of Kisumu to take over from Nyong’o.
“Kisumu cannot be left in the hands of goons to dictate terms. Some of those aspirants are hugely linked to the goons, and we cannot allow such a culture to germinate in the city. That is why Dr Owili is gaining in rating in the county,” he said.
Maseno South Bishop Rev Charles Onginjo accused politicians of encouraging the culture of handouts in the community and taking advantage of the poverty among the youths.
He said the politicians have formed a bad habit of transforming youths into political goons by exploiting their economic constraints for their own good.
“You are reducing our people to dogs and beggars. Stop cheating our people and riding on the ignorance of the people. It’s a very unfortunate culture we are developing,” he said.
Rev Onginjo challenged the politicians to develop the culture of truth and honesty to avoid sinking the community into beggary.
“If you walk around with goons, thinking you are popular, then you are cheated. That doesn’t make you popular. Empower the youths and make them economically independent,” he said.
