Eliud Owalo has resigned as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President and announced that he will run for president in the 2027 general election. Speaking to congregants at Nomiya Church in Siaya County, Owalo said his decision was based on his

Eliud Owalo has resigned as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President and announced that he will run for president in the 2027 general election.

Speaking to congregants at Nomiya Church in Siaya County, Owalo said his decision was based on his long record in public service and politics, which he believes has prepared him for national leadership. He said he would formally present himself as a candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Kenya and explained that stepping down from government was necessary to avoid a conflict of interest.

The announcement was made during a church service marking the 106th anniversary of the death of Prophet Johanna Owalo, the founder of Nomiya Church and Owalo’s grandfather. The event was held at the church’s headquarters in Oboch, Asembo, linking the declaration to a family history associated with religious leadership and independence from established authority.

Owalo outlined his political background, including his role in President William Ruto’s 2022 election campaign, where he said he helped expand support in the Nyanza region. He also cited earlier work with Raila Odinga and Moses Wetang’ula as evidence of his experience across different political formations. He told worshippers that, after years of working for various leaders, he now intended to focus on serving the Kenyan public directly.

He criticised what he described as political dominance by a single party in Luo Nyanza, arguing that such concentration limits the practice of multi-party democracy. His remarks indicated an intention to promote greater political competition in the region.

Owalo’s resignation removes him from a senior position within the current administration and places him among those seeking the presidency in 2027. His entry into the race adds another contender and may influence political alignments as parties and leaders begin to position themselves ahead of the election.

Outside government, Owalo serves as patron of Gor Mahia Football Club. He said this role, alongside engagement with religious leaders, community representatives, and citizens, would form part of his approach to building support for his campaign.