Eliud Owalo Resigns from Ruto Administration

Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo resigned from President William Ruto’s administration on January 11, 2026.
Moreover, his resignation followed his public declaration to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

Owalo Declares 2027 Presidential Bid
Owalo announced his presidential ambition during a church service in Siaya County.
Additionally, he stated consultations, feedback, and lessons learned influenced his decision to seek Kenya’s top seat.
He emphasized his conviction to directly serve Kenyans, shifting focus from government roles to national leadership.

Previous Roles in Government
Owalo managed the Government Delivery Unit and Public Service Performance Management Unit in the President’s Office.
Furthermore, he tracked executive performance and ensured efficient execution of government programs.
Before that, he served as Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy from 2022 to 2024.
He spearheaded fiber optic rollout, public Wi-Fi hotspots, and ICT hubs under “Jitume” and “Ajira” programs.

Political Background and Experience
Owalo previously headed the Presidential Secretariat for Raila Odinga in 2013.
Moreover, he worked alongside senior political leaders, gaining vast experience in governance and public service.
His career achievements include operationalizing 274 ICT hubs and distributing over 16,000 digital devices nationwide.

Mixed Reactions to Presidential Ambition
Owalo’s declaration sparked debate among leaders, especially in his Nyanza home region.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo dismissed his bid as unrealistic, calling it “hot air” and a “fool’s errand.”
Nevertheless, his resignation marks a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 elections.