Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has poured cold water on former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo’s announcement that he intends to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, describing the move as unrealistic and politically calculated.
Owalo made the declaration during a church service in Siaya County, shortly after stepping down as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency.
His remarks immediately triggered debate, particularly within the Nyanza region, where political alignments are already shifting ahead of 2027.
Reacting to the announcement, Odhiambo dismissed Owalo’s ambitions as a “fool’s errand” and a “wild goose chase,” arguing that the former CS is unlikely to mount a serious presidential campaign.
According to the outspoken lawmaker, the statement is less about a genuine State House bid and more about a broader political strategy.
She suggested that Owalo could be positioning himself as a regional political figure by either backing or forming a smaller party to challenge the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) dominance in Nyanza—especially if he does not seek the presidency under the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Odhiambo further claimed that the presidential pronouncement could be a tactical move aimed at building momentum for a different elective seat in 2027, such as the Rarieda parliamentary seat or the Siaya gubernatorial race.
“I believe anything beyond those options is just hot air,” she remarked, questioning the seriousness of the presidential bid.
Owalo, on his part, has said his decision was influenced by lessons from public service, consultations, and a desire to make a broader impact on the lives of Kenyans.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the next election cycle, the exchange highlights growing tensions and realignments within Nyanza politics, with internal competition within and outside ODM becoming increasingly visible.
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Politics