Eliud Owalo resigns from Ruto gov't after declaring 2027 presidential bid

Politician Eliud Owalo, who on Sunday announced his presidential ambitions, has officially resigned as Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency.

Mr Owalo resigned from President William Ruto’s administration with immediate effect following his announcement to contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Owalo explained his decision.

"Following my declaration earlier today [Sunday] that I intend to run for Presidency of the Republic of Kenya in the year 2027, my position as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency is no longer Tenable," Mr Owalo said.

“I have therefore resigned from the position with immediate effect.”

Owalo made the presidential declaration in Siaya County during the 106th commemoration of his grandfather, Johana Owalo, who founded Nomiya Church in 1907, becoming the first independent church in Kenya.

The anniversary of Johana Owalo’s death is observed annually on January 11.

Among those present at the event was Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol.

The move had been widely anticipated.

Owalo’s announcement positions him as a potential challenger to President Ruto in 2027, viewed as a direct challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His former role was within the President’s inner command structure, requiring absolute political loyalty and neutrality.

Kenya’s Constitution and public ethics laws prohibit senior state officers from engaging in partisan politics or pursuing elective office while serving in government.

Owalo highlighted his extensive political experience, noting that he previously served in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under the late Raila Odinga, later joined Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) before it merged into President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He also served as ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary before assuming the Deputy Chief of Staff position.

Owalo emphasized that his time in these roles has equipped him with sufficient experience to lead Kenyans.

He urged Nyanza residents to seek political refuge in multiple parties rather than relying solely on ODM.

Speculation is rife that he plans to establish his own political party ahead of the 2027 polls, as he strategises on reaching out to all Kenyans and not just his Nyanza backyard.

In December, Owalo had toured government projects across Nyanza over a four-day period in his official capacity.