Makongeni MCA and Nairobi Majority Leader Peter Imwatok is poised to become the running mate of Busia Governor Paul Otuoma in the 2027 general elections, a move insiders say is meant to tighten Otuoma’s grip on the Teso vote.
Sources familiar with the high-stakes negotiations, who requested anonymity, revealed that the deal was sealed during a closed-door meeting at a five-star hotel in Nairobi last week.
A powerful delegation from Busia, led by Speaker Fredrick Odilo and Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, reportedly brokered the agreement, signaling a major political realignment ahead of the polls.
“This was a calculated move to solidify Otuoma’s position. The political dynamics in Busia have shifted, and he needed a new force to counter emerging threats,” a source privy to the discussions disclosed.
This comes at a time when Governor Otuoma is facing mounting political pressure in the Teso region, with a growing number of his meetings being marred by heckling and public discontent.
Insiders suggest that the dissatisfaction stems from what some locals perceive as neglect of the Teso community in his administration.
His current deputy Arthur Odera, despite holding office, has struggled to command significant influence in the region, with critics arguing that he lacks both grassroots connection and political muscle to rally the Teso vote.
In contrast, Imwatok, a native of Teso, is seen as a strategic asset who could help Otuoma reclaim lost ground and solidify support in the region ahead of 2027.
“The governor’s team knew something had to be done. The Teso vote was slipping away, and the current deputy had failed to anchor Otuoma’s support in the region. Bringing in Imwatok is not just about winning votes—it’s about survival,” a source privy to the negotiations hinted.
Governor Otuoma is reportedly feeling the pressure following the entry of Arthur Osiya, a senior state official who has declared his bid for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Sources within the county indicate that Osiya’s political wave is gaining momentum across all Teso constituencies, as well as in Butula and Nambale, even before he officially launches his ground campaigns.
“Otuoma knows the storm that Osiya is bringing. The ground is shifting fast, and the panic is real. The governor’s team believes bringing in Imwatok, with his loud and aggressive political style, could help neutralize the wave and reclaim lost ground,” a source privy to the discussions disclosed.
With Imwatok’s expected appointment as Otuoma’s deputy pick, questions are now emerging about the political fate of the current Deputy Governor, Arthur Odera.
According to sources, Otuoma’s camp is exploring ways to accommodate him, with speculation that he could be offered a powerful International appointment.
“The governor cannot afford to completely sideline Odera—he still has influence in some quarters. There are talks of securing him a strategic role to keep him within the system while ensuring Imwatok delivers the Teso vote,” a source familiar with the discussions disclosed.
