Kenya: Former Senator Poghisio Dumps Kanu for ODM in West Pokot Governor Race

What the report says

Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after leaving the Kenya African National Union (KANU), according to Capital FM’s report distributed by AllAfrica. The move positions him to seek ODM’s nomination for the West Pokot gubernatorial race in Kenya’s 2027 General Election. He was received at the party’s Nairobi headquarters, Chungwa House, on November 3, 2026, alongside a delegation of county leaders.

The report says Poghisio is aiming to challenge for the county top seat as political competition begins to take shape. It identifies Governor Simon Kachapin as the incumbent and names other possible contenders, including former Governor John Lonyangapuo and Pokot South MP David Pkosing. The article presents the race as increasingly crowded, with more aspirants still possible.

Poghisio brings a long political background to the contest. The report notes that he represented West Pokot in the Senate from 2017 to 2022 and previously served as Senate Majority Leader. It also says he has held Cabinet and assistant minister roles in earlier administrations. His return to ODM comes after earlier ties to the party and to the United Republican Party before joining KANU.

More broadly, the move reflects wider political repositioning ahead of 2027, as parties work to strengthen local support and attract established figures. The article suggests ODM may benefit from Poghisio’s profile in the Rift Valley, while also facing the task of managing internal competition for its nomination.