By Daniella Apiyo
Seasoned sports journalist and Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) President James Waindi has formally entered the race for the Kisumu East parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Elections, following a high-profile endorsement by 15 Kano clan elders at his Buoye home.
The colourful event, which kicked off with interdenominational prayers led by clergy from Consolata Parish, drew more than 1,000 voters from across all five constituency wards—Kajulu, Nyalenda A, Manyatta B, Kolwa East, and Kolwa Central.
In a major boost to Waindi’s grassroots mobilization, former area councillor and longtime Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stalwart Robert Otuge threw his weight behind the journalist’s bid. Addressing the gathering, Otuge urged the electorate to look beyond traditional party politics and focus on individual track records and leadership capacity to unlock stalled development in the constituency.
Accepting the elders’ blessing, Waindi unveiled a seven-pillar manifesto dubbed “A New Chapter for Kisumu East,” framing his candidature around ending what he termed a three-decade leadership drought for the populous Kolwa bloc.
“Kolwa—comprising our vibrant East and Central wards—holds the single largest voting bloc in this entire constituency. Yet, when was the last time Kolwa produced a Member of Parliament to lead this constituency? It has been over 30 years!” Waindi told the cheering crowd. “Enough is enough! The giant of Kolwa has woken up. It is time for leadership that reflects the true strength and voice of the people.”
Waindi outlined a comprehensive development blueprint targeting youth unemployment, education, environmental conservation, and social inclusion:
- Local Labor First & Youth Empowerment: Lamenting that local industries from Kibos to Chiga overlook area residents for jobs, Waindi pledged to push for legislation and local agreements guaranteeing a strict employment quota for Kisumu East youth. He also promised an interest-free Youth Innovation & Micro-Enterprise Fund alongside expanded TVET support.
- Education & Automated Bursaries: He vowed to eliminate nepotism in National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) allocations by introducing an equitable, automated bursary scheme and upgrading public schools with modern classrooms and science laboratories.
- 100% FKF Football Sponsorship: Leveraging his sports leadership background, Waindi announced plans to pay full Football Kenya Federation (FKF) affiliation and registration fees for all active local football clubs in the county, sub-county, and regional leagues, alongside constructing standard community pitches. “Sports is not just a pastime; it is a career, an industry, and a shield that keeps our youth away from crime and drug abuse,” he noted.
- Restoring River Kibos: Taking aim at industrial pollution, Waindi warned that factory effluents were choking aquatic life and poisoning domestic water sources. “Industrial growth must not come at the cost of our health,” he declared, pledging strict environmental enforcement and a ward-by-ward cleanup of River Kibos and its tributaries.
- Inclusivity & Security: Waindi committed to establishing a dedicated Constituency PWD Empowerment Desk to guarantee Persons Living with Disabilities direct access to the statutory five percent CDF procurement quota and mobility aids. On security, he pledged to partner with Nyumba Kumi committees to install solar street lighting in trading centres and lobby for new police posts in crime hotspots.
Concluding his address, Waindi rallied residents across the five wards to unite behind his vision of accountable governance.
“Leadership is not about occupying an office; it is about serving the people with integrity, vision, and action,” he said. “Kolwa has waited for over 30 years to lead. The time is now.”
