By Habil Onyango
With just under 13 months until the General Elections scheduled for August 10, 2027, the parliamentary seat currently held by two-term MP Adipo Okwome has already attracted 10 aspirants who are determined to unseat the 87-year-old legislator.
Okwome first contested for the position in 1980 and secured it in 2017 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), succeeding former MP James Rege. He has expressed his intention to defend his seat for a third time.
Karachuonyo is the second most densely populated constituency in Homa Bay County, boasting the highest number of registered voters at 94,181, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) statistics from 2022.
The race is drawing significant interest from notable figures within both ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Among the candidates are Hannington Dey Abeka, the current Homa Bay County Clerk representing ODM; Kennedy Obyya, a former Imara Daima Member of the County Assembly (MCA) running for the UDA ticket; and Carilus Ademba, a former Homa Bay County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialisation, and Enterprises, also seeking the UDA nomination.
Other contenders in the race include Collince Okendi (UDA), Samwel Okumu (ODM), Fred Makajos (ODM), who is a researcher at the East Africa Legislative Assembly, Samwel Ogutu (ODM), and Ramadhab Abdul (UDA). Jeff Ongoro, the currently serving Kanyaluo MCA, and Steve Okute Aboge, known as “Aboge wuon dollar,” are also vying for Okwome’s seat.
According to IEBC records from 2022, Karachuonyo Constituency is divided into seven wards, with Wang’chieng’ having the highest number of registered voters at 19,362. It is followed by North Karachuonyo (13,731), Kendu Bay Town (13,350), Central Kasipul (12,560), Kibiri (12,053), West Karachuonyo (11,870), and Kanyaluo (11,255). However, these numbers are expected to change significantly due to ongoing enhanced voter registration efforts.
Despite being part of a broad-based government with UDA, ODM members have been calling for zoning in ODM strongholds, particularly in the Nyanza and Western regions. This call is part of a larger and more complex political alignment, as different parties compete for dominance, voter turnout, and coalition leverage ahead of the elections.
UDA aspirants from Homa Bay and especially Karachuonyo are actively reaching out to voters as they pursue the seat.
Abeka, a close ally of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga—who also serves as ODM National Chairperson—is seen as a front-runner against Okwome in the upcoming elections. Professionally an accountant, he enjoys significant support in Homa Bay County and advocates for community development through grassroots initiatives. Abeka focuses on education, emphasising the need for funding school infrastructure and student bursaries while also addressing healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructure needs. His supporters praise his background in accounting and see him as a “new dawn” for local leadership.
“We have been supporting numerous needy students through bursaries, and we have taken many youths to access various courses while supporting women in boosting their small businesses. These are initiatives we plan to continue once in office,” he stated.
Ademba takes pride in being a prominent financial expert and politician, known as the founding Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA).
On the other hand, Okendi aims to draw on the leadership experience he gained from former Karachuonyo MP James Rege, where he served as a personal assistant. He is recognised for his community involvement and is the Chairman and Founder of the Okendi Educational Foundation in Karachuonyo, which frequently distributes bursaries and water tanks to local primary and junior schools, along with supporting broader community initiatives.
“We have partnered with various organisations to distribute bursaries to over 1,000 students in high schools, universities, and tertiary institutions, while also donating water tanks and supporting local development initiatives across Karachuonyo Constituency,” he said.
Ongoro, a close ally of former Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, who is also contesting for the county’s top seat, is well known for his community development work, especially in infrastructure, road networks, and education. He previously served as the Majority Leader and Chairman of the Budget Committee in the Homa Bay County Assembly. Currently in his second term as an MCA, Ongoro intends to advance his political career and represent Karachuonyo in Parliament. Recently, he has been vocal in criticising Governor Wanga’s administration.
Okute, alias “Aboge wuon dollar,” is actively campaigning to represent Karachuonyo Constituency. His political platform primarily focuses on youth and women’s empowerment. Aboge supports small traders and job creation, as well as enhancing access to education and healthcare by improving schools and strengthening medical facilities.
Okumu, a prominent public administrator and active political figure from the constituency, previously served as the Transport Officer for the Homa Bay County Government during Governor Cyprian Awiti’s tenure. He is currently campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary seat in the constituency.
Ogutu, known as Wuod Bishop, is currently serving as a political advisor to Governor Wanga. His focus is on education reform, transparent bursary management, water access, and infrastructure development.
Another aspirant in the upcoming elections is Obuya, who serves as the Homa Bay branch chairperson of UDA. He was elected to this position to build party structures and popularity at the grassroots level. A well-known political commentator, Obuya previously served as the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Imara Daima Ward in Nairobi for two terms. He has now shifted his political focus to Homa Bay County, aiming to vie for a parliamentary seat specifically in Karachuonyo Constituency. His campaign platform centres on healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.
