KISUMU, 5th January –Kisumu Central Constituency is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 General Election following the entry of Cedric Otieno, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Youth Leader, into the parliamentary race.
Cedric, popularly known by his first name, has formally declared his intention to vie for the Kisumu Central seat on a UDA ticket, bringing a fresh dynamic to a constituency long considered an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stronghold.
His candidature comes at a time when the region’s political landscape is experiencing notable shifts, with voters increasingly weighing personality, approachability and grassroots engagement alongside party loyalty.
Over the last few years, Cedric has been a familiar face across Kisumu County, where he has been actively involved in mobilising young people and women in support of the broad-based government that brought together President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
That countywide exposure has now narrowed into a focused campaign within Kisumu Central, where he has intensified door-to-door visits, small community meetings and informal interactions with residents. The Kisumu Central parliamentary seat is currently held by Dr Joshua Oron of ODM.
Oron is widely tipped as a potential candidate for the Kisumu gubernatorial race in 2027, a prospect that has opened the door for a crowded field of aspirants seeking to succeed him.
Within ODM, several figures have expressed interest in the seat, including businessman Edward Onyango aka Bob CEO, Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch aka Swagga, Kisumu County Education Chief Officer Bovince Ochieng and former MP Fred Ouda alias Dugi Dugi.
Cedric’s decision to contest under the UDA banner has added another layer of competition, particularly given his effort to brand himself as a calm, peaceful and inclusive politician in a constituency where women form the majority of registered voters.
His campaign style stands in contrast to the rowdy political gatherings that have historically characterised parts of the region’s politics.
“I believe leadership should be about listening, not intimidating people,” Cedric said during a recent community engagement in Migosi Ward.
“Women, youth and the elderly deserve spaces where they can speak freely without fear or chaos.”
His recent visit to Migosi Ward has been cited by his supporters as a turning point in his campaign.
Rather than holding a large rally, Cedric opted for a series of small meetings with women’s groups, traders, and residents, focusing on issues such as small business support, security, and access to social services.
Women who attended the meetings praised his approach, saying it made them feel respected and safe.
“Cedric does not move around with goons, and that is very important to us,” said Janet Achieng, a vendor in Migosi.
“Most women avoid political meetings because of violence, theft and injuries. With him, we can attend, listen and speak without fear.”
Another resident, Alice Adhiambo, a member of a local women’s savings group, said Cedric’s demeanour has resonated with many women in the area.
“He talks to us calmly and asks what we need, not what he wants,” she said.
“That kind of leadership makes women feel valued, and women are the ones who vote in large numbers.”
Political analysts note that appealing to women voters could prove decisive in Kisumu Central, where women’s turnout has traditionally been higher than that of men.
Cedric’s emphasis on peace, order and direct engagement appears designed to tap into that demographic reality.
Beyond style, Cedric has framed his campaign around uplifting the less privileged, particularly informal traders, single mothers and unemployed youth.
He has been involved in community-based initiatives, including mentorship forums and support for women-led table banking groups, which he says are key to economic empowerment at the grassroots.
“Kisumu Central needs a leader who understands everyday struggles,” Cedric said.
“When women thrive, families thrive, and when families thrive, the constituency moves forward.”
As the 2027 election approaches, observers say the race for Kisumu Central will likely be shaped by how effectively candidates connect with voters on the ground, rather than by party dominance alone.
Cedric’s peaceful, women-centred approach has already begun to distinguish him in a crowded field.
With campaigns still in their early stages, it remains to be seen whether his strategy will translate into votes.
However, his growing popularity among women voters suggests that Kisumu Central may be headed for a more competitive and less predictable contest than in previous election cycles.
