By Dr. Seth Odongo
Migori County is caught in an endless cycle of political campaigns.
Barely has an election concluded before discussions shift to the next one.
While this may seem like the norm in our political landscape, it is, in reality, a damaging culture that stifles long-term development.
The county is constantly in election mode, with leaders focused on securing their next term rather than delivering on their current mandate.
Voters, too, participate in this cycle, eagerly waiting for the next opportunity to remove “underperforming” leaders without demanding accountability in between elections.
This trend must change.
If we are to break free from the stagnation that has characterized Migori for years, we need a shift in both leadership and voter engagement.
Development is not a product of leadership turnover alone—it requires active participation from the electorate and a commitment to fostering good governance.
A Leadership Culture That Fails the People
One of the biggest challenges we face is the nature of engagement between leaders and the electorate.
Why do we allow elected officials to neglect us? Why do we tolerate leaders who fail to take our calls, ignore our concerns, and disappear from public spaces until election season?
It is unacceptable that those in office treat voters as mere stepping stones to power, rather than as partners in development.
The problem, however, is not just with the leaders—it is with the people who enable them.
We have normalized praising leaders who fail us, addressing them with undue reverence while excusing their lack of accountability.
Leadership should be about service, not entitlement. If a leader fails to engage the electorate, they should be denied the platform to address them. Respect in leadership must be earned, not demanded.
Additionally, Migori residents must abandon the culture of electing leaders who, once in office, inflate their egos and demand blind loyalty instead of delivering results.
Where do they get the courage to mishandle public resources and mistreat the electorate? The answer is simple: voters have surrendered their power.
The Electorate Must Also Change.
While it is easy to blame leaders for the county’s problems, the electorate must also take responsibility.
Migori has a voter base that is, in many ways, its own worst enemy.
Too many voters are driven by short-term benefits, seeking handouts rather than demanding policies that create long-term opportunities.
Others resort to insults and disrespectful discourse, which only alienates leaders rather than holding them accountable.
How can a young person, whether educated or not, comfortably hurl insults at an elected leader—someone old enough to be their parent—and still expect meaningful engagement?
Leadership is not above criticism, but that criticism must be constructive and based on accountability, not personal attacks.
We must also abandon the practice of chasing trivial personal favors instead of pushing for systemic change.
Young people, in particular, must realize that sycophancy will not bring development.
If voters were enthusiastic about electing leaders based on policies and manifestos, why do they fail to follow up and hold them accountable once in office? The disconnect is glaring.
The Path to a New Migori.
The truth is that development does not happen in a vacuum. It requires a citizenry that is engaged, informed, and demanding of better governance.
If Migori is to transform, the people must reclaim their power. They must challenge leaders to be accountable, refuse to tolerate mediocrity, and sustain their demand for progress beyond election seasons.
This is not just about who is in office—it is about the system we create as a society. If we continue with the same culture of political apathy, misplaced priorities, and sycophantic leadership, no amount of leadership change will bring the development we desire.
The time for change is now!Migori must wake up! The leaders must serve, and the people must demand it.
Dr. Seth Odongo is Policy and leadership consuntant and a former Migori gubernatorial aspirant.
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