Former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma has officially declared his intention to reclaim the Kisumu gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, promising to revive stalled projects and restore the county’s economic fortunes.
Ranguma made the announcement on Monday, August 10, exactly a year before the next General Election, marking his return to active county politics after leaving office in 2017.
In his declaration, Ranguma said he wants to “complete and rehabilitate” projects initiated during his first term which, he claimed, had since collapsed.
Ranguma, who served as Kisumu’s first governor between 2013 and 2017, said his administration had laid a foundation for growth across the county before his tenure was cut short.
He said his administration implemented 1,157 projects, including 522 roads across the county’s seven sub-counties and 95 dispensaries that were equipped with drugs and staff.
He also cited the installation of 45 solar floodlights in major markets, saying the initiative was intended to support Kisumu’s transition into a 24-hour economy.
On education, Ranguma said his administration introduced a school feeding programme, awarded scholarships to 280 needy and bright students and issued bursaries to more than 10,000 learners.
He further claimed his administration constructed 68 eye centres and addressed flooding in Nyando and other parts of the county through river desilting and excavation of riverbanks.
Ranguma also pointed to water projects, saying his government drilled and equipped 80 boreholes to address water insecurity.
He said his administration also invested in the informal sector, particularly the boda boda industry, including taking some riders to Rwanda on an exchange programme, constructing boda boda shades and establishing savings and credit cooperatives for riders.
Economic revival
Ranguma also sought to draw a contrast between his administration and the current state of the county’s economy, saying he had created an environment that enabled businesses to thrive.
He said his administration paid contractors and suppliers promptly and left office with a pending bill of Sh800 million at the close of the financial year, which he claimed was fully backed by funds in the county’s kitty.
The former governor said his return to the political arena was motivated by what he described as the need to revive Kisumu’s business sector, rehabilitate access roads and address increasing water insecurity.
“I know what it takes to turn around the economy of Kisumu and give hope to everyone,” he said, adding that he wanted to “recreate our millionaires and make Kisumu City shine again.”
Ranguma also sought to frame his comeback as a service-oriented bid, saying he was not seeking office to accumulate wealth.
“I have not come to make wealth but to serve our people,” he said, promising to focus on staff welfare through capacity building, training and promotions where possible.
Despite positioning himself as a challenger to the current administration, Ranguma struck a conciliatory tone towards Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, saying he had no personal differences with him.
“I respect Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o; he has done his part, and I do not have any ill feeling toward anyone,” Ranguma said.
He described politics as a contest where candidates can either win or lose, but said leaders should ultimately work together for the development of Kisumu.
Ranguma’s declaration sets the stage for another potentially competitive gubernatorial contest in Kisumu as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
He appealed to Kisumu residents to support his candidature, promising to return to what he described as a development-focused administration.
