Owalo resigns from gov't after announcing 2027 presidential bid

By Newsflash Writer

Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, has resigned from his post with immediate effect after declaring his intention to vie for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Owalo said remaining in government was no longer feasible following the public announcement of his presidential ambitions.

“Following my declaration earlier today that I intend to run for the 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,” he said.

He confirmed that the decision took effect instantly, adding: “I have therefore resigned from the position with immediate effect.”

Owalo had been serving as Deputy Chief of Staff overseeing delivery and government efficiency, a key role tasked with coordinating, monitoring and tracking the implementation of government programmes across ministries, departments and agencies.

Early entry into the 2027 race

His exit from office officially clears the path for his entry into the 2027 presidential contest, positioning him among the earliest aspirants from within the Executive to publicly declare interest in the country’s highest office.

Earlier in the day, Owalo announced his decision to run during the 106th anniversary of the death of his grandfather, Prophet Johanna Owalo, the founder of the Nomiya Church. The event was held at the church’s headquarters in Oboch, Kisumu County.

“Come 2027, I will submit myself as a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya,” Owalo said, noting that his record as “a performer, a results-oriented person and a risk-taker” would shape his pursuit of the top seat.

The declaration marks a new chapter for Owalo, who has previously worked closely with major political figures, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and, most recently, President William Ruto.

Development agenda for Nyanza

Owalo said he was transitioning from backing individual leaders to championing development-driven leadership for Kenyans. Speaking after the church service, he called on residents of Nyanza to embrace “a politics of action rather than rhetoric” and laid out an ambitious agenda aimed at transforming the region.

He underscored the need to expand water infrastructure projects, including the Koru–Soin dams, to mitigate flooding, support electricity generation, enhance last-mile water access and strengthen food security.

Owalo also emphasised the completion of the Lake Victoria Ring Road to connect Busia to Migori, noting that the project would boost regional integration and cross-border trade with Uganda and Tanzania.

On economic growth, he advocated for the expansion of Kisumu International Airport to handle cargo, arguing that the region should directly export fish, agricultural produce and other goods to international markets.

He further proposed the establishment of processing plants for fish, livestock products, hides and skins, potatoes, avocado, tea, coffee and soapstone to promote value addition within Nyanza.

Owalo also called for the revival of the sugar, rice and cotton industries and for reforms in the mining sector to ensure local communities benefit from natural resources. Additionally, he pushed for genuine multi-party democracy in the region, saying the 2010 Constitution guarantees political pluralism and competitive leadership.

The annual commemoration of Prophet Johanna Owalo’s death, held every January 11, provided Owalo with a platform to connect his personal heritage with his national political aspirations and a vision anchored on development-focused leadership.