Eliud Owalo: “I’m Done Working for Others. Now It’s My Turn”
Former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, recently announced his resignation from President William Ruto’s government, signaling his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election.
Speaking to a local radio station on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Owalo said the time had come for him to lead from the front, having previously worked behind the scenes to deliver results for multiple presidential candidates and politicians.
“I am tired of using my brain to work for political leaders. I have worked for Raila and, most recently, President Ruto, whom we delivered and made president. I am now focused on working for my own bid,” Owalo stated.
Owalo Promises a Transformative New Party
Owalo revealed that he plans to launch a new political party in the coming month, promising a platform that will be transformative, inclusive, and unlike existing political parties.
“We will launch our party next month. In the meantime, we are working on some logistical issues before the unveiling exercise,” he said.
Experience and Performance Drive His Presidential Bid
Owalo defended his decision to vie for Kenya’s top seat, pointing to his extensive experience in both the private sector and government. He cited his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (ICT), along with 23 years in private consultancy, as evidence of his ability to deliver results.
“My track record as ICT Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Chief of Staff, and in the private sector speaks for itself. I am a performer and result-oriented – my record is loud and clear. Opinion polls consistently ranked me among the top three performers for a sustained period,” he said.
He further noted that political interference and corruption limited his ability to implement key projects while in government, prompting his decision to run for president.
“There is always a divergence between what you want implemented and the actual situation in the working environment. Corruption and conflict of interest derail such dreams. Implementation of projects meant to benefit the people is at times blocked by procurement officers who get in the way and direct the benefits to their proxies,” Owalo explained.
