In politics, succession is rarely declared. It is choreographed. In Kisumu County, the choreography around Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and his deputy, Dr. Mathew Owili, is becoming increasingly unmistakable.
For two consecutive terms, Nyong’o has resisted the temptation, common in Kenyan politics, to reshuffle his deputy for political convenience. Instead, he has retained Owili, a decision that speaks less to routine and more to deliberate succession planning. In a system where deputies are often sidelined or weaponized, Owili has been steadily empowered. He has evolved into the operational face of county leadership.
That visibility is no accident.
Owili has, on multiple occasions, hosted William Ruto in Kisumu. This is an assignment that goes beyond protocol, it reflects political trust. At the intergovernmental level, his presence within the Council of Governors and other national forums has positioned him not just as a deputy. He is increasingly seen as a governor in waiting.
Within the county, he has chaired key functions, led delegations and taken charge of critical assignments. This has happened with minimal friction.
Contrast this with the instability witnessed elsewhere.
In Siaya, the once promising working relationship between James Orengo and William Oduol has been marked by public fallout. In Homa Bay, a complete breakdown between Gladys Wanga and Oyugi Magwanga ended in resignation. In Meru, dramatic clashes between Kawira Mwangaza and Isaac Mutuma defined an administration in crisis.
Kisumu, by contrast, has been defined by discipline, cohesion and mutual respect. It is a political environment in which succession can be incubated quietly, rather than contested loudly.
At the heart of this stability lies Owili’s defining political currency, loyalty.
He has remained consistently aligned with Nyong’o. He has demonstrated restraint and professionalism in a space where ambition often breeds friction. Historically, he has been closely associated with the political orbit of the late, Raila Odinga. He has earned a reputation as both a student and loyalist of the ODM tradition.
In a notable evolution, Owili has also embraced working relations with William Ruto. He has aligned himself with the national government’s development agenda.
This dual alignment, firmly rooted in Orange Democratic Movement under Oburu Oginga, while maintaining functional ties with the national executive, has elevated Owili into a bridge figure. He operates effectively within a polarized political landscape. It is this positioning that fuels quiet speculation that the United Democratic Alliance may approach Kisumu’s 2027 race with strategic caution.
He is arguably the most experienced hand within Kisumu’s executive machinery. He is deeply embedded in policy execution, budgetary processes and institutional management. While other aspirants may command political bases or legislative visibility, Owili brings something different. He offers governance continuity.
His leadership would likely extend, rather than disrupt, Nyong’o’s development agenda. This is especially true in health systems, urban renewal and devolved service delivery.
Yet, the 2027 race is far from a coronation.
More aspirants are expected to declare their interest. However, among those already mentioned in political circles are, Jack Ranguma, Ken Obura, Aduma Owuor, Ruth Odinga, Joshua Oron, Rosa Buyu and Tom Ojienda.
Each brings a distinct political constituency. Any serious contest will be shaped by ODM party primaries, grassroots mobilization and national political currents.
“Most subcounties in Kisumu county are cosmo-politant so the issue of regional balance is neither here, nor there.” Owili said during a high consultative meeting with grassroot leaders and ODM delegates in Chemelil and Muhoroni. “Let those eyeing the sit demonstrate their prowess, rather than advancing divisive rhetorics!” He asserted.
Still, what sets Owili apart is not noise, but positioning.
He is visible, yet measured. He is present, yet not overbearing. He is political, yet administrative. In many ways, he embodies a leadership style that is increasingly rare. He represents continuity without complacency.
So, is Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o explicitly endorsing Owili?
In politics, the loudest endorsements are often the ones never spoken. They are built through trust, proximity to power and the gradual transfer of public confidence.
In Kisumu, that process is no longer subtle. It is structured. If current signals hold, Dr. Mathew Owili is not just in the race, he is quietly at its center.
