Former Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has resigned as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, just hours after declaring his intention to run for presidency during the 2027 General Election.
Owalo, a close ally of President William Ruto, said his continued stay in the State House role was no longer tenable following his declaration, prompting his immediate exit from government.
In a brief resignation note released on Sunday night, Owalo said stepping aside was necessary to allow him to pursue his political ambitions without conflict.
Earlier in the day, Owalo had announced his presidential bid at the headquarters of the Nomiya Church in Siaya County, anchoring his candidature on what he described as a mission to shift Kenya from politics of rhetoric to politics of development.
The Nomiya Church, founded in 1907 by his grandfather, Prophet Johanna Owalo, is regarded as the first African independent spiritual church in Kenya.
Owalo made the declaration during celebrations marking the 106th anniversary of the prophet’s death.
He told congregants that his decision to run was informed by consultations with church leaders, community stakeholders and reflections on his political journey spanning more than 15 years.
“I have worked for every major political figure in this country. Come 2027, I want to work for the Kenyan people,” Owalo said, positioning himself as a technocrat-turned-reformer with experience across political divides.
Church leaders present at the event openly endorsed his bid, a rare move that underscored the institution’s political weight in parts of Nyanza.
Those backing him included Cardinal Archbishop Moses Okech, Supreme Archbishop Eng. Calleb Olali, Archbishop Moses Obego, and Assistant Archbishop David Abaki.
Beyond the pulpit, Owalo is also banking on grassroots social networks, including sports constituencies, notably the Gor Maria Football Club, where he serves as patron.
The club commands a sizeable following, particularly among youth across the country.
At the heart of his political message was a sharp critique of what he termed political monopoly.
Owalo argued that genuine development would only be realised if the region and the country at large embraced competitive multi-party democracy.
“We cannot talk about democracy when one party dominates and dictates political choices. People must be free to choose leaders without fear or favour,” he said, hinting at the formation of a new political party that would carry his presidential bid.
Owalo’s entry into the race adds a new dimension to the 2027 contest, particularly in Nyanza, a region long considered an opposition stronghold.
His resignation from State House signals an early and deliberate break from the Kenya Kwanza administration as he charts an independent political path.
Whether his blend of technocratic credentials, church backing and grassroots mobilisation will translate into national traction remains to be seen, but his move positions him among the earliest entrants into what is shaping up to be a crowded presidential field.
By Chris Mahandara
