Jakakimba leans on humble beginnings as Suba North race gathers pace

The battle for the Suba North parliamentary seat is beginning to gather pace, with aspirants increasingly shifting from early political declarations to grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Suba North parliamentary hopeful Silas Jakakimba has concluded a three-day tour across Gembe, Rusinga, Kasgunga, Mfangano and Lambwe wards, using the campaign trail to introduce what he describes as a people-centred movement under the slogan "Dayat Nyaka Loki"—loosely translated as "The time for change has come."

Rather than leading with political rhetoric, Jakakimba sought to connect emotionally with residents by recounting his upbringing in poverty, saying his childhood struggles continue to shape his vision for the constituency.

Addressing volunteer ground ambassadors, the former longtime aide to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga narrated how he grew up unable to afford basic necessities, recalling bathing with asao leaves when soap was unavailable, using discarded cooking fat wrappers to moisturise dry skin in place of petroleum jelly, and attending school on an empty stomach.

"I know what it means to grow up deprived. That is why I believe we can change the lives of our people," he noted.

The personal story formed the centrepiece of a campaign message anchored on economic empowerment, youth employment and poverty reduction—issues that are expected to dominate political conversations in Suba North as the race to succeed the current MP gradually takes shape.

Jakakimba argued that the constituency requires leadership focused on unlocking its economic potential through investment, tourism, fisheries, infrastructure and partnerships. He pledged to tap into both local and international networks to attract development opportunities for young people and women.

The tour also highlighted ongoing and planned national government infrastructure projects, including the upgraded Rusinga Ring Road, the proposed Mfangano Island Ring Road and the anticipated government ferry services.

While citing the projects as signs of growing government investment in the region, Jakakimba called on residents to support President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027.

He also urged eligible residents to acquire national identity cards and register as voters once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) opens the voter registration exercise.

UDA Sub-County Chairman Paul Okuku Miregi echoed the call, urging party officials at the ward and polling station levels to intensify mobilisation efforts targeting first-time voters.

The tour culminated in Mfangano, Jakakimba's political backyard, where he officially launched Team ‘Dayat Nyaka Loki’ Ground Ambassadors across all five wards—signalling what observers view as an early attempt to build an extensive grassroots campaign machinery well ahead of the election period.

In one of his policy proposals, Jakakimba said he would seek legislative reforms to bar the use of public funds to erect signboards publicising National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) projects, arguing that taxpayers' money should instead be channelled directly into development initiatives that improve people's lives.

He further pledged to champion the creation of a new constituency covering Mfangano, Remba, Ringiti and Takawiri islands, saying the move would enhance representation and allow more equitable distribution of NG-CDF resources to address the unique development challenges facing island communities.

The tour also culminated in what organisers dubbed the Mfangano Declaration, a political unity pact bringing together ODM and UDA officials in Suba North, aspirants from different political formations, religious leaders, elders, youth representatives, women leaders, boda boda operators, Beach Management Unit (BMU) officials, business leaders and residents.

The declaration, according to organisers, underscored a shared commitment to peaceful politics, inclusive development and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

With more than a year before Kenyans head to the ballot, political activity in Suba North is already intensifying, with aspirants racing to build grassroots structures, shape public narratives and position themselves in what is expected to be a highly competitive parliamentary contest.