The battle for the Nyatike parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election is steadily gathering momentum after Macalder/Kanyarwanda Ward MCA Felix Okwanyo received a major political endorsement from traditional leaders and residents, signaling an early realignment in the constituency’s political landscape.
The endorsement was made on Thursday at the historic Thimlich Ohinga cultural heritage site in North Kadem , where residents, elders drawn from the kanyamwa clan, opinion leaders, youth and women converged to publicly back Okwanyo’s parliamentary bid.
The gathering portrayed his candidature as a grassroots-driven movement aimed at redefining Nyatike’s political future ahead of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested election.
Speaking after receiving the endorsement, Okwanyo described the declaration of support as a vote of confidence from the people and pledged to champion an inclusive development agenda centred on better roads, quality education, improved healthcare, youth employment, women empowerment and the sustainable exploitation of Nyatike’s vast mineral resources.
He challenged residents to embrace issue-based politics, arguing that the constituency deserves leadership that prioritizes service delivery over political rhetoric.
Traditional leaders who led the endorsement said the time had come for Nyatike residents to rally behind a leader they believe can effectively articulate the constituency’s interests both locally and nationally. They urged voters to remain united and make informed choices as the political season gathers pace.
Okwanyo’s emergence adds fresh intrigue to a contest that is already attracting prominent political figures. The race is expected to pit him against incumbent MP Tom Odege, who is widely expected to seek a third consecutive term, setting the stage for what could become one of Migori County’s most competitive parliamentary contests.
Also in the race are seasoned lawyer and Nairobi-based accountant Robley Ngoje and businessman Lawi Jaoko, both of whom have intensified grassroots mobilization and consultations across the constituency in recent months.
Their entry has injected fresh energy into the contest, with each aspirant seeking to build strategic political alliances and consolidate support in Nyatike’s diverse electoral zones.
With nearly every potential contender now stepping up public engagements, community meetings and political consultations, the scramble for Nyatike’s parliamentary seat is rapidly evolving into a high-stakes political battle.
The coming months are expected to witness heightened campaigns as aspirants seek to convince voters that they offer the vision, leadership and political influence needed to steer the constituency into its next chapter after the 2027 General Election.