Migori Governorship Race: Incumbent Ayacko Faces Challenges from Nyamita, Masara and Mwabe

Kenya, 21 December 2025 - Migori County’s race for the governorship is shaping up as a high-stakes contest between the incumbent, Dr Ochilo Ayacko, and a group of determined challengers, including Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Suna West MP Dr Peter Masara, and business elite Dr Philip Mwabe.

Each candidate is staking their campaign on contrasting visions of leadership, governance, and development, making the county’s electorate face a choice between continuity, change, and alternative approaches to public service.

Governor Ayacko has positioned himself as a steward of continuity, emphasizing the progress his administration has achieved.

He insists that effective governance should be judged by service delivery rather than political theatrics, stating, “Synergy for optimum service delivery is a principle I am fully committed to, as we work towards the prosperity of our county.”

He also dismissed early campaign criticisms from rivals, warning that he will not be distracted by what he called “the mere croak of a frog in the waters,” signaling his focus on tangible outcomes over partisan rhetoric.

Despite his confidence, Ayacko faces criticism over gaps in service delivery, including health infrastructure and road development, which his opponents have seized on as evidence that the county needs fresh leadership.

But Ayacko defends the allegations stating how through his tenure he has built more dispensaries and rural health facilities across the constituencies in the area to boost primary health care.

"These projects are visible. Roads mostly fall under the national government mandate," he explains asking residents not to listen to propaganda peddled by his adversaries and support him to deliver deligent services to wananchi.

Among the challengers, Nyamita has emerged as the most visible and vocal, leveraging a viral campaign slogan, “Ochilo Ayacko bye,” to signal a call for accountability and change.

Nyamita has argued that the slogan is intended as political satire to engage voters, not as personal attack, saying, “If you have nothing to show for your time in office, you should go home. Politics should be like sports — a bit of satire so people enjoy the debate.”

He has been highlighting what he describes as unfulfilled promises in health, education, and infrastructure, pledging to expand access to clean water, strengthen health systems, and improve roads.

His campaign energy and youth-oriented messaging have boosted his visibility, though some critics warn that his theatrics may overshadow the substance of his platform.

For Masara, the Suna West MP, has taken a more measured approach, emphasizing community engagement and disciplined leadership.

He has called on voters to participate actively in shaping the county’s future, stating, “Let me hear from you Migori. Your voice matters.”