Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has joined ODM ahead of his 2027 governor bid.
The former senator seeks ODM’s ticket for the 2027 governor race, as Lonyangapuo and Pkosing also eye the seat.
Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio joins ODM after leaving KANU, seeking its ticket for the 2027 governor race. His move places him among leaders seeking to challenge Governor Simon Kachapin for the county’s top seat.
ODM welcomed Poghisio at Chungwa House, its Nairobi headquarters, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A delegation of leaders from West Pokot accompanied the former senator as he formally entered the party.
Poghisio joins ODM after earlier party ties
The switch marks a return to ODM for Poghisio, who previously had ties with the party. He also associated with the United Republican Party before moving to the Kenya African National Union.
Poghisio represented West Pokot in the Senate from 2017 to 2022 and also served as Senate Majority Leader. His national political career includes ministerial roles under two former presidents.
He served as an assistant minister during Daniel arap Moi’s presidency and later held a Cabinet position under Mwai Kibaki. That record gives his gubernatorial bid a background spanning parliamentary leadership and government service.
Meanwhile, his arrival follows Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s formal entry into ODM a day earlier. Sakaja left the ruling United Democratic Alliance as leaders reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Rivals prepare for West Pokot governor contest
However, Poghisio faces competition from other established politicians seeking the West Pokot governorship. Former Governor John Lonyangapuo is among those eyeing the seat, alongside Pokot South MP David Pkosing.
Lonyangapuo led the county between 2017 and 2022 before losing to Kachapin. He has since stepped up political activities across West Pokot, promising to complete projects begun during his administration.
Pkosing has also declared interest in the governorship, adding another contender to the emerging race. Meanwhile, Kachapin is expected to defend his seat in the next election.
Before facing the wider electorate, Poghisio must first secure ODM’s gubernatorial nomination. His arrival adds to the party’s task of balancing new entrants’ ambitions with those of existing members seeking its ticket.
The move also comes as political parties strengthen grassroots networks and negotiate alliances ahead of 2027.
