The political tectonic plates in Luo Nyanza are shifting. With Raila Odinga’s eyes firmly fixed on the African Union Commission chairmanship in Addis Ababa, a vacuum is forming in his backyard. Into this void steps Eliud Owalo, the technocratic Cabinet Secretary for ICT, who has increasingly become the face of the Kenya Kwanza administration in the region.

Owalo’s declaration over the weekend that he intends to vie for the presidency in 2027 was met with derision by ODM loyalists, with Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo dismissing him as a "political toddler." However, insiders argue that Owalo is playing a long game—not necessarily to win the presidency, but to position himself as the region's gateway to state resources.

The "Development" Narrative

Unlike previous attempts to penetrate Nyanza through force or propaganda, Owalo is using a strategy of aggressive development. He has spearheaded the rollout of free Wi-Fi hotspots in markets from Migori to Siaya and facilitated the revival of the struggling sugar sector. His message is simple: "Politics has brought us teargas; cooperation brings us development."

• The Strategic Play: By declaring a presidential ambition, Owalo elevates his stature from a mere appointee to a principal player. It forces local leaders to engage with him, even if antagonistically. It also offers President Ruto a reliable lieutenant to checkmate ODM's dominance.
• The Resistance: The ODM machinery remains formidable. The party views Owalo as a "trojan horse" meant to divide the Luo vote. "We know who sent him," said Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi. "Anyone who thinks they can inherit Baba's bedroom while he is still alive is dreaming."

A Spoiler or a Kingpin?

Owalo represents a growing faction of Nyanza professionals who are weary of opposition politics. Whether he can convert this sentiment into votes remains the ultimate test. But for now, he has succeeded in doing the impossible: making the region talk about a leader other than Odinga.