Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, has openly declared that he will run for president in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for an early and bold political contest.
Owalo made the announcement on Sunday during the 106th anniversary commemoration of the death of his grandfather, Prophet Johanna Owalo, who founded the Nomiya Church.
The event was held at the church’s headquarters in Oboch, Kisumu County, and attracted worshippers, local leaders, and community members from across the region.
Addressing the congregation, Owalo stated clearly that he intends to present himself as a presidential candidate in 2027. He described himself as a strong performer, a leader who focuses on results, and someone willing to take risks in order to deliver real change for the country.
According to him, Kenya needs leadership that moves beyond promises and focuses on practical solutions.
His declaration signals a major political shift, especially given his long history of working closely with top opposition figures such as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Currently, Owalo serves in President William Ruto’s administration, making his announcement particularly significant in the evolving political landscape.
Owalo explained that his decision to seek the presidency is based on a change in political thinking. He said he is no longer interested in simply supporting individual political leaders but is now focused on pushing a development agenda that directly improves the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
In his view, leadership should be judged by what it delivers, not by political alliances or slogans.
Speaking after the church service, Owalo called on residents of the Nyanza region to adopt what he described as “politics of action” instead of politics based on speeches and empty rhetoric.
He also encouraged the formation and registration of more political parties in the region, arguing that true multiparty democracy would strengthen political competition and accountability in Nyanza.
During his address, Owalo emphasized that the fight against poverty can only be won through serious investment in development.
He said the country should prioritize large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams, railways, roads, and airports, rather than focusing on endless political rallies that do not translate into real progress.
He highlighted the importance of expanding water infrastructure, including projects like the Koru–Soin dams.
According to Owalo, such projects would help control flooding, improve access to clean water, support hydroelectric power generation, and boost food security for communities affected by climate challenges.
Owalo also proposed the upgrading of Kisumu International Airport to enable it to handle cargo flights.
He said this would allow direct export of fish from Lake Victoria, agricultural produce, and other goods to international markets, creating jobs and opening up new economic opportunities for the region.
In addition, he called for the establishment of processing factories for livestock products, hides and skins, potatoes, avocado, tea, coffee, and soapstone.
He noted that value addition is key to increasing farmers’ incomes and ensuring that local communities benefit more from their resources.
Owalo further repeated his long-standing call for the revival of struggling industries in the region, including sugar, rice, and cotton factories that have remained inactive for many years.
He said restoring these industries would create employment, revive local economies, and reduce poverty.
The annual commemoration of Prophet Johanna Owalo’s passing provided a powerful and symbolic platform for Eliud Owalo to connect his family legacy with his national political ambitions.
Through his message, he presented himself as a leader focused on development, action, and long-term solutions, as he begins positioning himself ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
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