When the history of Kisumu is written, James Nyikal Wambura's name will not miss out on those history books. Not just because he is an MP but the circumstances surrounding his rise in the county's political circles.
Dr Nyikal is the first MP of Same, a new constituency in Kisumu that came into being after the promulgation of the 2010 constitution. Before that, part of what is now Seme used to be Kisumu Rural, Governor Anyang Nyong'o political base.
The University of Nairobi-trained medical doctor made his political debut in 2013 and even before the poll, he was the favorite to win the seat. And so he did- winning it by a landslide. From treating patients, the 62 years then was now taking his expertise elsewhere- ' diagnosing' Kisumu politics.
Known for his conciliatory tone, the MP plays a unique brand of politics- a complete departure from his colleague who plays combative style of politics. And this has been helpful in cooling political temperatures especially in Kisumu which is ODM's political boiler room.
The former Director of Medical Services who will be 71 in 2022 looks sets to cement his grip on Seme politics and a possibility of a third straight term is real, a remarkable feat especially in Kisumu.