What You Need to Know
Eliud Owalo, former Deputy Chief of Staff, has dismissed allegations that he is President William Ruto’s ‘project’. In a recent interview, he emphasized his independent political ambitions and clarified his resignation from government to pursue his own vision. Owalo has announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, marking a significant shift in his political career.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has denied some public claims that he is President William Ruto’s ‘project’.
Speaking in an interview on Radio Maisha, Owalo stated that he is pursuing an independent political path.
He dismissed allegations that he continues to act in alignment with the President following his resignation from government.
“I am not Ruto’s project. I cannot be anybody’s project because I am above that,” Owalo stated.
He defended his political decisions, pointing out that his past support for Ruto had always been transparent and publicly declared.
“In 2019, when I decided to work with President William Ruto, I came out and made it public that I would support him. I campaigned for him until 2022 when we won the election,” he said.
Owalo questioned the logic of claims that he could still be secretly working for the Head of State after resigning from his role in government.
“If I wanted to work for Ruto, why would I resign and then work for him secretly? I do not see the logic there. I would have just continued to be in his government,” he added.
Owalo maintained that his decision to leave government was driven by a desire to chart a different course and pursue his own political vision.
“I left his government because there is something I want to do differently,” he said.
In January 2026, Owalo formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, marking a significant shift in his political trajectory.
He said his continued stay in government would be untenable following his declaration.
“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. I have therefore resigned from the position with immediate effect,” Owalo wrote in a social media post dated January 12, 2026.
During his tenure, Owalo was tasked with coordinating government delivery and enhancing efficiency across various state functions, a role that placed him at the centre of the administration’s performance agenda.
He has previously held several high-profile positions, including serving as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy.
Owalo’s political career has seen him work with a number of key figures across Kenya’s political landscape, including the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Owalo said his presidential bid represents a departure from personality-driven politics, focusing instead on delivering tangible development outcomes for Kenyans. Owalo has contested in previous elections and remains a familiar figure in the country’s political scene.
Eliud Owalo has been a notable figure in Kenyan politics, previously serving in various high-profile roles, including as Cabinet Secretary for Information. His political journey has seen him collaborate with influential leaders across the spectrum, including Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi. The political landscape in Kenya is often characterized by shifting alliances and the influence of prominent personalities, making Owalo’s current independent stance a significant development as he prepares for the upcoming elections.
