SIAYA, 9th February, 2026 -A senior county official of Busia County on Sunday declared his intention to challenge Siaya Governor James Orengo in the upcoming 2027 elections, setting the stage for an early mouth-watering political contest in a region long considered an ODM stronghold.
Timothy Odende, popularly known as Tim, made the announcement on Sunday 8th February at St. Joseph Nyawara ACK Church in Gem, his rural hometown, where he told congregants that he could no longer stay silent in the face of what he described as rising corruption and stalled development in the county.
His remarks were made during a church service attended by local leaders, elders, and residents from across Gem.
“I supported Governor Orengo in 2022 with all my heart because I believed he would deliver for our people,” Odende said.
“Today, I am saddened because corruption is everywhere and the ordinary mwananchi cannot point to tangible development.”
Odende said his decision to challenge the incumbent was driven by what he termed a growing disconnect between county leadership and the needs of local communities, particularly in rural Siaya.
He cited poor road networks, under-equipped health facilities and struggling schools as evidence that the county was not getting value for its resources.
At the same time, he took aim at Orengo’s recent political posture, accusing the governor of spending too much time attacking others instead of focusing on service delivery.
Orengo was elected on an ODM ticket but has in recent months publicly criticised the party leadership and the national government.
“To discredit the national government every day while doing nothing for your own people is the biggest mistake a leader can make,” Odende told the congregation. “Leadership is about solutions, not endless complaints.
Odende told worshippers that his entry into the race was not about personal ambition but about offering an alternative leadership style rooted in development and accountability.
He pointed to his long engagement with communities in Gem and across Siaya, saying he had consistently supported initiatives in health, education and infrastructure even without holding an elective seat in the county.
“God has blessed me with opportunities to serve, and I have used those opportunities to touch lives in health, roads and education,” he said.
“I am ready to serve Siaya with honesty and action, not excuses.”
Although he hails from Siaya, Odende is currently a key Chief Officer in the Busia County Government under Governor Dr Paul Otuoma, a role that has given him administrative experience and exposure beyond his home county.
He has been deeply involved in revenue and trade management.
In Busia, Odende has played a central role in strengthening local revenue collection, including the rollout of a digital payment system dubbed Busia Pay and a cleanup of revenue collection processes.
He has also been visible in the inspection and upgrading of markets in areas such as Nangina and Funyula, working to improve trading conditions and local infrastructure.
His engagement with groups such as bodaboda riders on digital revenue collection has further raised his profile as a hands-on administrator.
Supporters at the church service welcomed his announcement with applause, with some saying his technocratic background and development focus could resonate with voters looking for change in 2027.
Odende, however, cautioned that the journey ahead would require unity and peaceful engagement. He now joins a growing list of contestants such as Nicholas Gumbo(Kenya Sugarboard Chairman), William Oduol (Siaya Deputy Governor), and David Ochieng (Ugenya MP), among others.
“This is not a war against any individual, but a call to rescue Siaya from stagnation,” he said.
“Together, we can build a county that works for everyone.”
