A fierce political rivalry between Governor Ochilo Ayacko and MP Mark Nyamita continues in Migori County. Nyamita has threatened to quit ODM if the party favors Ayacko in the gubernatorial primaries. This puts the primaries of the party led by Dr. Oburu Oginga at risk due to past lack of transparency.
The rivalry between Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita has reached a peak in Migori County, where both were elected on the ODM ticket in 2022. Their supporters have clashed at public meetings and funerals. Ayacko is serving his first term as governor, while Nyamita is in his second as MP.
In an interview with Taifa Leo, Nyamita said he will seek another party if ODM denies him the gubernatorial ticket. "The governor has resources but I have ideas, so it will be a contest between resources misused to fight good ideas," he stated. He has coined the slogan ‘Ochilo Byeee’ to rally his supporters.
Nyamita entered politics in 2013 contesting the Uriri MP seat but lost. After two terms, he feels ready for governor and promises economic transformation. "I am not going for that seat because of my clan's strength but to serve our people through these ideas I have," he added.
According to him, the county has lagged in development due to poor leadership, especially in health where hospitals lack drugs. Infrastructure is also poor despite proximity to Lake Victoria, sugar industries, and gold mining. "What Migori needs is a leader who will work from top to bottom to ensure projects are implemented," he said.
Nyamita was among the first leaders to visit State House after President William Ruto's victory, drawing criticism from ODM colleagues. However, he does not regret it and secured projects like the Piny Owacho Level Four Hospital and Uriri Technical College with 3,000 students and 33 teachers. "Even if things repeated, I would do it again," he said.
