Mickey Ochieng Declares Her Bid for Kisumu Central MP Seat

Kisumu, 12th March 2026- Kisumu Nominated Member of County Assembly Mickey Ochieng has declared her intention to vie for the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, setting up what could become one of the most competitive political races in the lakeside city.

The seat is currently held by MP Joshua Oron, who is widely expected to shift his focus to the Kisumu gubernatorial race in 2027, potentially leaving the constituency open for a new leader.

Ochieng now joins a growing list of aspirants, most of whom are men who have already expressed interest in the seat.

They include Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch, former MP Fred Ouda, businessman Edward Onyango, Kisumu County Chief Officer for Education Bovince Ochieng and Bernard Aete.

If elected, Ochieng would become the first woman to represent Kisumu Central in Parliament in decades, in a political environment that has traditionally been dominated by male politicians.

Born and raised in Manyatta estate in Kisumu, Ochieng says her decision to enter the race is informed by the absence of women candidates willing to contest the seat.

“I am in this race to win. Many women have kept away from the Kisumu Central contest, but I believe the time has come for a woman to step forward and compete,” she said.

Kisumu has a history of electing influential women leaders, though it has been many years since the city elected one to Parliament.

The last woman MP from Kisumu city was Grace Onyango, who represented Kisumu Town during the early years of Kenya’s multiparty politics.

Ochieng says her leadership experience at the county level and her involvement in national legislative forums have prepared her for the parliamentary role.

“I have the acumen, capability and influence to lead Kisumu Central effectively. My experience in leadership spaces has equipped me to represent the people and address the challenges they face,” she said.

The nominated MCA is also an official in the County Assembly Forum, a body that brings together county legislators from across the country to deliberate on governance and legislative matters.

Beyond politics, Ochieng runs the Mari Mara Foundation, an initiative focused on empowering women through leadership training and financial literacy.

According to her, the organisation was established to address the gap that prevents many women from seeking leadership positions.

“Many women can lead but lack the exposure and mentorship needed to step forward. Through the foundation, we are giving them the skills and the voice to participate in leadership,” she said.

Over the years, the foundation has also carried out community programs aimed at supporting girls and young women, including the distribution of sanitary pads in informal settlements and schools around Kisumu.

Ochieng said the organisation is planning a major fundraiser on March 28 in Kisumu to raise resources that will enable it to expand its outreach programs.

“We are organising a fundraiser later this month so that we can reach more women and young girls who need support, mentorship and empowerment opportunities,” she said.

At the Kisumu County Assembly, Ochieng serves as the vice chairperson of the Water Committee, where she has been involved in legislative oversight and policy formulation.

She is currently spearheading the drafting of a proposed law on market management, which is expected to address governance challenges in public markets nationwide.

The proposed Bill, which is heading for pre-publication, seeks to create a structured framework for the election and management of market leadership to prevent disputes that often disrupt business activities.

Ochieng cited the frequent wrangles at the Kibuye Open Air Market as an example of the challenges traders face when disagreements arise over leadership and operations.

“The Bill will provide clear guidelines on how market leaders are elected and how disputes are handled. It will help protect traders from disruptions that affect their livelihoods,” she said.

She added that once enacted, the law could also serve as a reference point for courts and other institutions when handling disputes involving market leadership and management.

With the 2027 elections still months away, political activity in Kisumu Central is already gathering momentum as aspirants position themselves for what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest.