The contest has stirred strong reactions among voters and leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement, with internal competition and rising ambitions setting the stage for a closely fought battle.
A recent opinion poll places Deputy Governor William Oduol Denge in the lead with 27.9 percent support. Oduol officially declared his candidacy in January 2026 at his home in Hawinga village, Alego Usonga.
He has positioned himself as a results-driven administrator focused on accelerating development and improving service delivery.
Oduol has been openly critical of Governor James Orengo’s administration, arguing that several ideas in the 2022 manifesto originated from him.
He has pledged quicker implementation of projects in agriculture, road infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment, presenting his campaign as a shift toward more decisive leadership.
Governor Orengo follows with 24.5 percent support. A veteran politician and lawyer who has previously served as senator and cabinet minister, Orengo retains a strong base.
However, some residents have expressed concerns about the pace of development, with critics suggesting that greater attention should be given to local priorities.
Former Rarieda MP Eng. Nicholus Gumbo polls at 19.8 percent. Known for infrastructure and development initiatives during his tenure in parliament, Gumbo is campaigning on his track record in roads, schools and economic projects.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng stands at 13.3 percent, with his team aiming to expand support as alliances begin to form. About 14.5 percent of voters remain undecided, a bloc that could prove decisive as nominations approach.
The emerging contest has highlighted divisions within ODM, with efforts to unify leaders sometimes exposing differing visions for the county’s future.
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