2027 battle for Suba North takes shape as Jakakimba eyes Millie Odhiambo's seat

As the countdown to the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, political attention is increasingly shifting to Suba North Constituency, where a potentially high-stakes contest is emerging between long-serving legislator Millie Odhiambo and city lawyer Silas Jakakimba, who is also the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's long-serving aide.

Political observers believe the race could present one of the most delicate political balancing acts involving the opposition-leaning Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), especially given the growing political influence of both candidates.

Millie Odhiambo, who has represented Suba North for over 17 years, remains one of the most experienced voices in Parliament, with her legislative record making her a formidable figure in the region's political landscape.

On the other hand, Silas Jakakimba has steadily positioned himself as a fresh alternative, focusing heavily on youth empowerment, investment opportunities, and economic transformation.

Speaking recently, Jakakimba emphasized the need for a new development agenda driven by young people.

"The 2027 election will largely be defined by the aspirations of young people. They are looking for opportunities, social inclusion, and economic empowerment. My focus is on creating networks and attracting investments that can transform lives," Jakakimba noted.

According to Jakakimba, the next electoral cycle will be less about traditional politics and more about addressing the practical concerns of a youthful population seeking employment, business opportunities, and meaningful participation in governance.

He says all these are a wealth of experience he gathered during his time with late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga s his close Aide for two decades.

The city lawyer has recently been engaging both local and global networks, particularly in the United States where he has held discussions aimed at attracting partnerships that can transform lives and benefit the people of Suba North. His supporters view these efforts as evidence of a forward-looking leadership approach centered on economic growth with more such lined up in Seattle, Johannesburg, and England later this September this year

As both camps continue mobilizing supporters, political analysts suggest that the contest could attract national attention, particularly if cooperation between ODM and UDA becomes a factor in the region's political calculations.

Political analyst Herman Manyora argues that Jakakimba's perceived proximity to President William Ruto could make the race politically significant.

"Jakakimba is viewed by many as a close ally of President Ruto. Any candidate seeking to challenge individuals associated with President Ruto must be prepared for a highly competitive political contest. How national politics shapes local dynamics will be an important factor to watch," Manyora observed.

However, another political analyst, Kevin Osido, believes the President may choose to remain neutral and allow democratic competition to take its course. "The President may opt to keep a distance from local contests to demonstrate party independence and allow voters to make their own choices without undue influence," Osido noted.

Jakakimba is expected back in the country this weekend following his investment engagements abroad. Sources close to his camp indicate that he will embark on an intensive series of youth-focused forums and community engagements across Suba North, activities that could further shape the political conversation ahead of 2027.

that could benefit the people of Suba North with more such engagements lined up in Seattle later in September this year.

While the election remains some distance away, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the Suba North contest is evolving into a fascinating battle between experience and emerging leadership, a race that could significantly influence the future political direction of Homa Bay County.

For now, voters will be watching closely as both leaders continue presenting their vision for the constituency, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the region.