Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 general election. He made the announcement during the 106th commemoration of his grandfather Prophet Johanna Owalo's passing at the Nomiya Church headquarters in Oboch, Kisumu County. Owalo cited his record as a performer, results-oriented leader, and risk-taker.
Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, declared his bid for the presidency of Kenya in the 2027 general election during the 106th commemoration of his grandfather Prophet Johanna Owalo's passing, the founder of the Nomiya Church. The event took place on Sunday 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, marking a significant political shift. He has previously worked closely with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Musalia Mudavadi, and currently serves under President William Ruto.
Owalo stated that his decision reflects a move away from backing individual political figures to focusing on delivering development outcomes for Kenyans. He urged residents of the Nyanza region to embrace a politics of action rather than rhetoric and encouraged the registration of more political parties to foster multiparty democracy in the area.
In his address, Owalo emphasized that defeating poverty requires a development agenda prioritizing major infrastructure projects such as dams, rails, roads, and airports over rallies and slogans. He highlighted the expansion of water systems like the Koru–Soin dams to address flooding, improve water access, support power generation, and enhance food security.
Additionally, he proposed upgrading Kisumu International Airport to handle cargo and enable direct exports of fish, agricultural produce, and other goods to foreign markets. Owalo further advocated for establishing factories to process livestock products, hides and skins, potatoes, avocados, tea, coffee, and soapstone to add value in Nyanza.
He also called for the revival of the sugar, rice, and cotton industries that have been dormant for years. The annual commemoration provided a symbolic platform for Owalo to link his personal legacy with his national ambitions and vision for development-driven leadership.
