Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has announced his intention to contest for the Homabay gubernatorial seat in 2027, setting up a fierce battle with incumbent Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as the ODM Party Chairperson.

Wanga, who assumed office in 2022, will be seeking re-election for her second term. The political landscape has become particularly intriguing due to speculation that Wanga’s current deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, may switch allegiance to support Kidero’s bid.

Well-placed sources indicate that Magwanga could potentially serve as Kidero’s running mate.

The strained relationship between Wanga and Magwanga became evident during the recent Kasipul by-election, where Magwanga backed independent candidate Philip Aroko, whilst Governor Wanga supported ODM’s Boyd Were, who ultimately emerged victorious.

In November last year,  Dr Kidero was acquitted in the Sh213 million corruption case he has been facing since 2016 after a Nairobi Anti-Corruption court found that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations against him.