Governor Jack Ranguma used the absence of his major political opponents to lobby support for his 2017 re-election bid.
Addressing Mashujaa Day celebrations at Jomo Kenyatta grounds, Mr Ranguma said he was confident of his track record in his first term in office.
Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o, businessman Hezron Mc'Obewa and Ranguma's deputy, Ruth Odinga, who have expressed interest in Ranguma's seat in next year's elections, did not attend the celebrations.
However, Ker Opiyo Otondi, chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, defied calls from Ranguma's supporters present at the event to bless his re-election bid, and instead empahsised the need to recognise all national heroes.