Elders from Migori County drawn from the Suna, Kuria and Suba communities have unanimously endorsed Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara to vie for the gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, in a move that has further reshaped the county’s fast-evolving political landscape.
The endorsement was led by elders from the Wiga,Wasweta Wasimbete clans in Suna as well as those from the Kuria community, alongside Suba elders under the leadership of Riogi Riogi, the bonafide Suba clan elder.
The elders described MP Masara as a seasoned and inclusive leader best placed to unite the county and bring an end to what they termed as long-standing regional political dominance.
They cited the “Sugar Belt factor” as a central issue in Migori politics since the onset of devolution a move that they said had left other areas isolated.
Since 2013, the county’s top leadership has consistently emerged from constituencies within the Sugar Belt region.
Migori’s first governor, Okoth Obado, hails from Uriri Sub-County, while his successor and current Governor Ochillo Ayacko is also from Awendo Sub County.
Similarly, Migori’s senatorial leadership — including former and current senators Eddy Oketch, Ochillo Ayacko, and the late Ben Oluoch— has largely come from Uriri, Awendo, and Rongo constituencies, areas commonly referred to as the Sugar Belt.
According to the elders, this historical trend has sidelined other regions, particularly Suna, Kuria, and Suba areas, despite their significant population and economic contribution to the county.
Background: Political Intrigues Ahead of 2027
Migori County is already witnessing intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 General Election, with early campaigns, shifting alliances, and behind-the-scenes negotiations taking shape.
The gubernatorial succession race has pitted incumbent Governor Ochillo Ayacko against Uriri MP Mark Nyamita and Suna West MP Peter Masara, setting the stage for a fierce three-way contest.
Political observers note that Governor Ayacko is seeking to consolidate his Sugar Belt support base while countering growing calls for regional balance.
At the same time, MP Nyamita is positioning himself as the next political heir from Uriri, further complicating succession dynamics within the Sugar Belt itself. These internal rivalries have opened space for alternative candidates from outside the region to gain traction.
The elders warned that unchecked political wrangles risk deepening ethnic and regional divisions, calling on leaders to prioritize unity, peaceful engagement, and issue-based politics. They urged residents to reject premature confrontations and instead focus on development, cohesion, and fair representation.
The endorsement of MP Masara has ignited sharp debate across Migori, particularly among Suna residents and their Kuria and Suba counterparts, many of whom view him as the most viable candidate to break the Sugar Belt’s grip on the governorship and defeat Governor Ayacko.
As the 2027 election approaches, Migori’s political scene is expected to remain volatile, with endorsements from elders, clan leaders, and community blocs likely to play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome.
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