Former Governor Rasanga Announces Bid for Siaya Senate Seat in 2027, Accuses Oburu of Dishonesty

Former Siaya County Governor Cornel Rasanga has declared that he will contest the Siaya Senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, setting up a high profile political showdown with the current senator, Oburu Oginga.

Rasanga said he is prepared to face off with the Orange Democratic Movement party leader, who recently indicated he would defend his seat if ODM does not field a presidential candidate in 2027. According to the ODM constitution, the party leader automatically becomes its presidential candidate.

Rasanga accused Oburu of going back on a private understanding between them regarding the 2027 race.
He stated that the two leaders had agreed Oburu would serve only one term before stepping aside.

“He's not honest because when he was going to contest, we had agreed that he would go that term, and then he leaves me also to go. But now he's still going, so I will have the right to compete with him. I don't fear anybody. Let him come, and we meet man to man,” Rasanga said.

Rasanga first became governor in 2013, emerging as a compromise candidate following a disputed ODM nomination between Oburu Oginga and William Oduol.

He secured a second and final term in 2017 after defeating former Rarieda MP Nicholas Odero Gumbo.

Gumbo recently re-joined ODM and declared interest in the Siaya seat.

And with both Rasanga and Oburu signaling their intentions early, Siaya’s 2027 senatorial contest is shaping up to be one of the region’s most closely watched political battles.

Current Governor James Orengo has not declared whether he will defend his seat. He is leading Linda Mwananchi, ODM splinter group of youth politicians.