By Hope Barbra
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili has poured cold water on the candidature of a section of legislators from the county who seek to replace outgoing governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Owili said he has what it takes to be the third governor of Kisumu after gaining experience from Nyong’o and exposure to the management of county government.
The battle for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat is gaining momentum, with Owili dismissing his opponents as legislators who have failed to perform and hold any committee leadership positions in parliament.
Owili also claimed that his competitors, who are largely members of parliament from the county, have failed to articulate and demonstrate their competence in parliament through debates and committee leadership.
He said one of the MPs has been in parliament for the last 15 years but has never held any committee leadership position and has no track record of performance.
“Some of the MPs have hardly spoken in parliament, and even when the parliamentary committee leadership fell vacant, they failed to vie for the positions. How do you want to lead the county when you have never been tested in any leadership mandate in parliament?” he quipped.
Owili said the current governors in Nyanza—his boss Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who was a minister and vibrant contributor in parliament, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayako—had adequate parliamentary experience before assuming office and James Orengo was minister for land before he became the governor.
He added that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also held powerful positions in parliament leadership and was adequately prepared to lead her county.
“I have loyally served under Prof. Nyong’o for the first and second term. I have learnt the management skills and am well equipped to manage the county,” he said.
The seat has attracted Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Adhiambo Odinga, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, and Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili has challenged his competitors for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat.
Owili is seen as ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s blue-eyed boy for his loyalty to Nyong’o and the party, while Buyu enjoys the support of Governor Wanga, who is the ODM national chairperson.
Wanga is credited with having sway over Raila and mastering her way in securing party tickets for her preferred candidates within ODM ranks.
Attempts to get comments from the legislators were fruitless as they did not respond to calls.
Owili said he was the most suitable candidate to complete various projects initiated by Nyong’o and would ensure continuity of development programs in the county.
Former Governor Jack Ranguma is also said to be interested in the seat and is preparing to make a comeback. Sources reveal that Ranguma is viewed by a section of party leaders as a possible compromise candidate should the race become too divisive within ODM.
