Since his election on an ODM ticket nearly a decade ago, Shakeel Shabbir has grown in political stature and is now one of the most senior politicians in Kisumu County.
The second term lawmaker is now considered a man of gravitas as he is now one of the few politicians that control the politics of Kisumu.
His closeness to the region’s political kingpin Raila Odinga has helped him to gather too much political capital.
However, the former Kisumu mayor will have a daunting task in 2017 to defend his seat following the emergence of equally strong but youthful politicians.
The declaration by Nicholas Oricho that he is interested in the seat should be giving the 59 year old Shabbir sleepless nights even as the residents predict that the poll is going to be closely contested.
According to the area residents, Mr Shabbir has an upper hand to win the seat due to his good development record in the area and also for his open door policy as he is easily accessible.
John Odhiambo, a Nyalenda resident says whoever wins the seat, the 2017 poll will prove to be the most closely contested poll in the area in the recent past.
As to who between Shabbir and Mr Oricho wins the 2017 Kisumu East parliamentary seat remains a matter of time.
But the veteran politician should be ready for the tightest election of his life.