For decades, the Kadika community living in Suna and Nyatike has remained largely invisible in local political decision-making despite being a significant voting bloc in parts of Migori County.
Without a recognized spokesperson, the community says its concerns have often been overlooked in development planning, political appointments and resource allocation.
That narrative is now changing.
In what residents describe as a historic milestone, the community has elected its first-ever traditional spokesperson, known as Ogai, a position they believe will provide a united voice and strengthen their bargaining power ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The election, supervised by Mr Dickson Odie, brought together elders, opinion leaders and community members from across Suna and Nyatike.
According to Mr Odie, the community resolved to establish the office after years of operating without a formal representative capable of articulating their collective interests to elected leaders.
He says the Ogai will serve as the official link between the Kadika people and political leaders, ensuring that issues affecting the community are presented through one recognized office instead of fragmented individual voices.
“We now have hope that our grievances and development priorities will receive the attention they deserve because we finally have a leader mandated to speak on behalf of the community,” Odie said.
The newly elected Ogai, Mr Elija Odhiambo, said his immediate priority is to unite the Kadika people and promote lasting peace within the community, arguing that unity will be the foundation upon which they can negotiate for greater political recognition and development opportunities.
He emphasized that his office would remain independent and would not be used to advance the interests of any individual politician.
“I will not be bought by politicians. My loyalty is to the Kadika community, and every decision I make will be guided by the interests of our people,” he said.
With political campaigns expected to gather momentum in the coming months, many residents believe the creation of the Ogai office places the community in a stronger position to negotiate with aspirants seeking support in the 2027 elections.
Residents argue that communities with organized leadership often secure greater consideration during negotiations over development projects, government appointments and policy priorities.
They hope the new office will enable the Kadika community to speak with one voice when engaging political leaders.
Mr Elija, who contested the Suna East parliamentary seat in the previous general elections, dismissed suggestions that his new role marks the end of his political journey.
Instead, he said serving as Ogai is a responsibility entrusted to him by the community and that any future political ambitions will be pursued only after consultation with the people he now represents.
As political realignments begin ahead of the 2027 polls, the Kadika community believes the establishment of the Ogai office is not merely a cultural milestone but a strategic step toward increasing its visibility, influence and bargaining power within Migori County’s evolving political landscape.
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