Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has hinted at pursuing an alternative political path if the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) does not grant him the party ticket in the 2027 Kisumu gubernatorial race.
Speaking during an interview on political analyst Herman Manyora’s podcast, the outspoken senator said he could not afford to approach the highly anticipated race with only one political option available.
Ojienda was responding to growing speculation that Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga could enjoy an upper hand within ODM due to her close relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga. Political observers have increasingly linked Ruth Odinga to a possible gubernatorial bid to succeed the outgoing Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
The senator suggested that if the political environment within ODM became unfavorable, he would have no choice but to consider other alternatives to keep his gubernatorial ambitions alive. His remarks have fueled speculation that he could either seek support from another political outfit or contest as an independent candidate should ODM back a different contender.
Ojienda, a senior lawyer and seasoned politician, has steadily positioned himself as a key figure in Kisumu politics and is widely viewed as one of the strongest potential candidates in the 2027 succession race.
The emerging rivalry over the ODM ticket is expected to intensify political activity in Kisumu County as leaders begin early campaigns and strategic alignments ahead of the next general election. Analysts say the contest could test ODM’s internal democracy and influence the party’s unity in one of its traditional strongholds.
As succession politics in Kisumu gather momentum, all eyes are now on ODM and how the party will manage competing interests among influential leaders seeking the governor’s seat.
