(NAIROBI, KENYA) – The resignation of Eliud Owalo from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President on Sunday has increased the number of high profile politicians distancing themselves from the administration of President William Ruto. This trend has prompted questions regarding the true motivations behind these sudden exits. Mr Owalo was responsible for performance and delivery oversight within the executive office, a role intended to ensure the completion of government development projects. In his departure statement, he indicated that his decision was motivated by a desire to prepare for a presidential bid in the 2027 general elections.
Mr Owalo joins a growing list of former officials including Moses Kuria, the former Public Service Cabinet Secretary, and politician Peter Mbae, both of whom resigned from their posts last year. Mr Kuria stepped down as a senior economic advisor on 8 July last year after serving for 11 months as Trade Minister, nine months as Public Service Minister, and 10 months in the advisory role. Similarly, Mr Mbae resigned on 13 January 2025 from the position of Head of Delivery and Continuity of Government Programmes, a role subsequently filled by Mr Owalo. At the time, Mr Mbae cited a difficult working environment and significant friction with the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei. Mr Mbae has since aligned himself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, serving as an advisor on economic and planning matters.
Both Mr Owalo and Mr Kuria were notably omitted from the cabinet when President Ruto restructured his government following the Gen Z protests in June 2024. During his resignation announcement on Sunday, Mr Owalo stated that he intends to travel across the country to launch an intensive campaign for the national leadership. He noted that after more than 15 years of supporting other individual politicians, he had decided to run for the presidency in 2027 following consultations with various stakeholders and his Nomiya Church.
However, Suba North Member of Parliament and Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo dismissed the presidential ambitions of Mr Owalo as unrealistic. She characterised the move as a distraction, suggesting that his actual political targets are likely the governorship of Siaya or a parliamentary seat. If Mr Owalo pursues the governorship, he would face the incumbent James Orengo, while a parliamentary run would see him challenge Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo. Political analyst Mark Bichachi suggested that Mr Owalo is merely seeking to remain politically relevant after losing his cabinet position. He observed that the previous role of Mr Owalo was not public facing and that an independent political path or a new party might be his only option to avoid fading into obscurity.
The departure of Moses Kuria has also been subject to scrutiny. Following his resignation, allegations surfaced that he was being used by the state to undermine Rigathi Gachagua, who maintains a significant following in the Mount Kenya region. In a recent radio interview, Mr Gachagua cautioned residents of the region against Mr Kuria, describing him as a puppet of President Ruto intended to fracture the opposition vote. Evidence of this political friction was seen during the Mbeere North by election on 27 November last year, where the candidate for the Chama Cha Kazi party of Mr Kuria, Duncan Mbui, finished third with 2,804 votes. Analysts suggest that had these votes gone to the opposition, the UDA candidate, Leo Muthende, might not have secured a victory.
Recent interactions between Mr Kuria and Mr Gachagua have remained hostile. On 4 January this year, Mr Kuria challenged the former Deputy President to visit Gatundu South to test his popularity. The former Gatundu South MP further accused Mr Gachagua of orchestrating his removal from the cabinet and his earlier transfer from the Trade Ministry. Mr Kuria described the former Deputy President as a dangerous individual and warned of an impending political battle. He specifically criticised Mr Gachagua over an incident involving the alleged harassment of Lamu County Women Representative Muthoni Marubu during a funeral service in Murang’a County.
