By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 11 January 2026 - Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Mr Eliud Owalo, has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political corridors by declaring his 2027 presidential ambition, signaling a high-stakes contest in a landscape long dominated by entrenched loyalties.
The announcement, made during the 106th commemoration of his grandfather, Johanna Owalo - who was a religious leader in Oboch, Rarieda constituency - was as much a tribute to family legacy as it was a bold political statement.
Owalo, who has navigated Kenya’s political terrain across multiple camps, described his journey as preparation for the presidency.
“My experiences with Raila Odinga in 2013, Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC, and now alongside President William Ruto have given me a unique insight into leadership, governance, and coalition politics. I am ready to serve Kenyans at the highest level,” he declared, evoking a blend of political gravitas and personal conviction.
But it was his challenge to the political status quo in Nyanza that drew the sharpest attention.
Flanked by Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol, Owalo questioned the dominance of a single party in the region, saying, “We cannot continue subjecting our people to a political monolith where one party lords over everyone else. True democracy means giving citizens real choices.”
Analysts say this is a direct signal that Owalo intends to shake up long-standing political allegiances in western Kenya, potentially redefining the region’s electoral map.
Adding to the intrigue, Owalo hinted at the formation of a new political party with deep roots in Nyanza.
While details remain under wraps, the move is widely interpreted as a strategy to consolidate local support while projecting a national vision.
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“Leadership is about service and vision. It is time for Nyanza and Kenya to embrace inclusive politics and accountable governance,” Owalo said, framing his campaign as a fight for economic transformation, youth empowerment, and political fairness.
Political commentators note the drama of Owalo’s declaration lies in his ability to bridge political divides.
His past roles—chief campaign manager for Raila Odinga, a key figure in Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC, and now a close aide to President Ruto—position him as a rare political chameleon with credibility across multiple voter bases.
“Owalo’s candidacy could unsettle traditional strongholds and force parties to rethink alliances,” says one analyst.
The declaration also comes at a time when political tensions in Nyanza have simmered under the weight of single-party dominance.
By staking a claim for multi-party democracy, Owalo is not just announcing a personal ambition; he is issuing a challenge to the entrenched political order. The ripple effects could redefine power dynamics in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how Owalo translates his political resume into voter appeal, particularly among the youth and voters seeking alternatives to historical political patterns. His message is clear: Kenya deserves an inclusive political system where leadership is accountable, development-oriented, and open to genuine competition.
With this declaration, Owalo has injected a potent mix of ambition, legacy, and political insurgency into the national discourse, promising that the 2027 elections will be anything but predictable. For now, the Nyanza political scene—and indeed the nation—must brace for a new chapter in Kenya’s unfolding political drama.
