In the quiet village of Korando ‘B’ in Kisumu West, a familiar baritone voice rises every Sunday from the humble sanctuary of AIC Arina Church. It belongs to Kennedy Odhiambo Owuondo, a man whose song has carried both the gospel and the hopes of his community for decades.
At 55, Kennedy has become a household name, not for wealth or politics, but for his unwavering service and melody that stirs both spirit and soul.
By day, he is Senior Assistant Chief III, a post he has faithfully held for seven years without promotion. By evening and on weekends, he dons a different hat: choir master, mentor and football patron.
For Kennedy, leadership doesn’t end with a badge or a title. His hands are full, literally and figuratively, as he nurtures the youth of Korando ‘B’ through Simba Football Club, a local team he finances and supports. His mission is simple yet profound: to keep young people busy on the pitch and off the streets.
“I believe if we give our youth a purpose, they will shape their own destiny,” he often says with quiet conviction.
But last weekend, his story, one of patience, talent and service, caught the attention of the country’s top brass.
When Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen attended a local function in Kisumu, Kennedy led the church choir in a performance that left the CS visibly moved.
The chief’s voice, clear, commanding and full of spirit, carried beyond the church walls and straight into the heart of the visiting dignitary. Also present was the Nyanza regional commissioner, Flora Mworoa among other political leaders.
Standing nearby was Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, who seized the moment to speak what many in the community have long whispered.
“I have seen best athletes being promoted; I have seen talented officers being promoted based on their talents,” the MP said, his voice echoing through the congregation. “Please, Mr. CS, I would have spoken to the regional commissioner but since you are here, I appeal to you to consider Kennedy Odhiambo for promotion. The good chief has remained stagnated for seven good years!”
The congregation erupted in applause. For once, the man who so often speaks and sings for others had someone speaking for him.
Kennedy stood quietly, his eyes moist, his smile modest. He didn’t seek the spotlight, but it found him anyway. His record of service speaks louder than any campaign could: seven years of diligence, mentoring and musical ministry. A blend of faith, discipline and community spirit rarely found in one person.
As the dust settles from the day’s event, one can only hope that Dr. Oron’s heartfelt plea doesn’t fade away in the bureaucracy of files and memos. Because beyond the hymns and the whistles of football matches, Kennedy Odhiambo represents something the public service desperately needs. Heart.
Perhaps, when the next promotion list is signed, it will bear not just a name, but a story. The story of the chief who sang his way into Kenya’s conscience.
