This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
Siaya county is on the brink of a political storm as Senator James Orengo and former Bondo MP Oburu Oginga form an alliance to control the ODM party, the most popular in the region.
While Orengo is eyeing the gubernatorial seat, Oburu is vying for the senatorial seat, a pairing that is gaining momentum but poses a challenge to ODM leader Raila Odinga's presidential ambitions in his home turf.
Oburu's senatorial aspirations have faced resistance in the past due to the Oginga family's dominance in elective positions, with some voters expressing opposition to multiple family members seeking office.
Oburu is currently serving as an MP at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Arusha, Tanzania, while his son Jaoko Oburu is eyeing the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat and his sister Ruth Odinga is vying for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat.
Former Police spokesman Charles Owino has expressed concerns about the alliance, citing the need for a free and fair process to elect a leader of choice in Siaya county.
Oburu's past attempts to secure the senatorial seat have been met with resistance, including being disqualified in the 2013 ODM primaries and later handed a nomination to the national assembly in 2013 and EALA in 2017.
His son Jaoko Oburu and sister Ruth Odinga are also seeking elective positions, with Jaoko eyeing the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat and Ruth vying for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat.
