By James Okoth
5/7/2026
The image of Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili sharing a relaxed round of golf with ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga may appear recreational at first glance. Yet, in Luo political culture, such moments are rarely accidental. They communicate trust, access, and increasingly, succession.
As the race to succeed Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o gathers momentum, Owili’s candidature is steadily evolving from speculation into one of the most formidable political projects in Kisumu County.
Unlike many aspiring governors who rely on loud declarations and early campaign machinery, Owili appears to be pursuing a different strategy – that of earning the confidence of the political establishment.
For years, political whispers have portrayed him as the preferred candidate of former ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, owing to his technocratic approach, unwavering loyalty, and ability to execute difficult assignments without courting controversy. Whether officially endorsed or not, the perception alone has elevated his stature within ODM circles as a force to reckon with in the succession race.
Within the county government, Owili has long been regarded as Governor Nyong’o’s dependable “Mr Fix It.”
Whenever the governor is away, it is Owili who steers county operations. He has represented Kisumu at national forums, hosted foreign delegations, coordinated intergovernmental engagements, and handled sensitive administrative assignments. While others sought headlines, Owili quietly accumulated executive experience, transforming himself into one of the country’s most seasoned county administrators.
His relationship with ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga has further strengthened his political credentials.
The two share more than party affiliation. They enjoy a close personal rapport, strategic political conversations, and even a common passion for golf. Within ODM’s inner circles, Owili is increasingly viewed as one of Oburu’s trusted political sons.
Beyond Kisumu, Owili has cultivated an impressive network within the national political establishment.
His working relationships with Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, Treasury Cabinet Secretary FCPA John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, National Assembly Majority Leader Junet Mohamed, and even President William Ruto portray a leader capable of engaging across political divides without compromising his ideological home.
Such networks matter.
Kisumu’s next governor will require more than popularity. The county will need a leader capable of attracting national resources, negotiating with government institutions, and positioning Kisumu competitively within Kenya’s development agenda.
Perhaps Owili’s greatest political asset lies in what he represents.
At a time when Kenyan politics is increasingly driven by personalities and ethnic mobilisation, he consistently advocates for values, institutions, and functional governance. Rather than attacking opponents, he speaks about strengthening systems, improving service delivery, and building institutions that outlive individuals.
His vision reflects that philosophy.
“My vision is to devolve devolution itself. Every village must become a centre of opportunity, every ward administration must become fully functional, and every citizen should access government services without travelling to the county headquarters. We shall leverage technology to create jobs for our youth at the village level because development must begin where the people live,” says Dr Mathew Owili.
His growing stature was perhaps best illustrated during a high-profile fundraiser at Othoo SDA Church yesterday, where Treasury Cabinet Secretary FCPA John Mbadi delivered what many interpreted as an unmistakable political endorsement.
Before a congregation attended by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, Muhoroni MP James Koyoo, Nyando MP Jared Okello, and other leaders, Mbadi openly praised Owili’s leadership credentials.
“We know Dr Mathew Owili. He has not been waiting to work; he has been working. Kisumu already knows his capability, his commitment, and his experience. When the time comes, the people will make their decision, but to me, he is the working Governor in waiting,” declared FCPA John Mbadi.
Coming from one of ODM’s most influential national figures, the remarks reinforced the perception that Owili enjoys the confidence of the party establishment while presenting him as the continuity candidate capable of building on Prof. Nyong’o’s governance legacy.
Still, the road to the governor’s office remains anything but straightforward.
ODM has historically attracted multiple heavyweight contenders, and the contest to replace Prof. Nyong’o is expected to be fiercely competitive. Party nominations and shifting political alliances will ultimately determine the outcome.
Yet one fact is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
As others assemble campaign teams, Dr Mathew Owili appears to be consolidating something arguably more valuable: the confidence of the political establishment, the trust of county leadership, and a growing reputation as a steady, competent, and dependable pair of hands.
On the lush greens of Nyanza Golf Club, the symbolism could hardly be missed. Beside the man now steering ODM’s political direction in Nyanza walked a deputy governor increasingly viewed as the establishment’s safest bet to succeed Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Whether that quiet confidence ultimately translates into electoral victory remains to be seen.
But if the politics of succession is first about earning trust before seeking votes, then Dr Mathew Owili has already positioned himself at the very heart of Kisumu’s 2027 gubernatorial conversation.
Others eyeing the top seat include Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Ken Obura, Prof Tom Ojienda, former one-term Governor Jack Ranguma, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, and Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga, among others.
