Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he will run for governor of the county in the 2027 General Election.
Poghisio was welcomed at Chungwa House, the party headquarters in Nairobi, on Tuesday. He came with a group of leaders from West Pokot who showed up to back his decision.
His move comes just a day after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja officially joined ODM. Together, the two defections show that politicians are already shifting camps as the 2027 race heats up.
This is not Poghisio's first time in ODM. He was once a member of the party, and also of URP, before moving to Kanu. He served as West Pokot senator from 2017 to 2022. Now he is back in ODM, hoping the party will give him a fresh platform to succeed Governor Simon Kachapin.
He will not have an easy ride. The performance of Kachapin's administration is expected to weigh heavily in the contest for the county's top seat. Local alliances, party nominations and development issues will also shape the race. Former governor John Lonyangapuo has already said he is interested in the seat.
Poghisio comes with a long record in public service. He was an assistant minister under President Daniel Moi, a Cabinet minister under President Mwai Kibaki, and later a senator for West Pokot.
On Monday, Sakaja left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined ODM, announcing that he will seek a second term as Nairobi governor on an ODM ticket. He tied his decision to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the founding leader of ODM. Speaking at Chungwa House, he said it was Raila who first advised him to join the party. He also promised to bring energy and commitment, and to show the loyalty expected of every member.
His arrival has made the fight for the ODM ticket in Nairobi more crowded. Makadara MP George Aladwa has also declared interest, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri are said to be eyeing the seat too.
ODM leaders have promised free and fair nominations. Still, questions remain about how the party will make room for new entrants and for long-serving members who want the same positions. Poghisio's entry will likely bring similar bargaining and competition in West Pokot as ODM works to strengthen its presence across the country.
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