An early scramble for the 2027 tickets has kicked off as various politicians are scheming on how to get ahead of their rivals. With the 2027 general elections in mind, a fierce contest for political seats and positions, especially the presidency has already taken centre stage.
Several individual candidates have unfolded their interest in the presidential seat to dethrone Ruto.
President William Ruto’s senior adviser on the Council of Economic Advisors, Moses Kuria, has hinted at vying for the presidency in the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Sunday, June 22, Kuria said he has all the qualifications and is more than ready to vie for the country’s top leadership position.
“There is a possibility that I will run for president in 2027. The only seat that I cannot vie for is the Women Rep position, but from MCA to the President, I have every qualification. I am more than ready” he said.
He also claimed that his political reach extends beyond his home region.
“I can do a rally in any part of this country without the local MP. I’m a villager in every part of the country, Garissa, Wajir, wherever,” he said. “That’s the kind of democracy I fought for.
The former CS also revealed he is in talks with Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party and has given them an offer to work together ahead of the 2027 election.
“We are talking, it's Uhuru’s party and I have another party, I have given them that offer, if they take it fine, if they don’t, I have a party and life will go on,” Kuria stated.
Kuria’s remarks come as political formations begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 polls, with some leaders preparing for a tough race, even as he calls for consensus and unity.
Interestingly, Jubilee party recently named Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i as its flag-bearer.
Matiang'i, a former powerful Cabinet Secretary under President Uhuru Kenyatta, resigned from his world bank job and returned to the country on June 21 to resume his 2027 presidential campaign after declaring his candidacy on May 2.
His return comes at a time when the Jubilee Party has launched an aggressive rebranding campaign for Matiang'i's 2027 bid.
Having recently joined Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's opposition camp, Matiang'i has become a central figure in Kenya's evolving political discourse.
Other Candidates.
The 2027 Kenyan presidential elections are shaping up to be very competitive with the announcement of several prominent candidates’ intent to be on the ballot to challenge President Ruto.
The list of the 2027 line-up includes the Azimio la Umoja co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka who has announced his intention to run for president in the next election, stating that he will not back any other candidate as he has done in previous elections.
Moreover, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, hinted at vying for the Presidency in 2027. In this pursuit, he has formed a committee to assess his viability.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and the call to serve has never been more urgent. After careful consideration and consultations with trusted advisors, community leaders, and citizens from all walks of life, I am pleased to announce the formation of a Presidential Exploratory Committee,” Okiya’s statement on his socials stated in part.
Further, he added, “This committee will thoroughly assess the viability of my candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Its primary focus will be to engage with the public, gather input on the most pressing challenges facing our nation, and determine how best to address these issues with bold and innovative leadership.”
Adding to the list of the 2027 candidates who are eying the Presidential seat is the former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Furthermore, as the list continues to grow and the 2027 Presidential elections are taking shape, Martha Karua, Raila Odinga’s running mate in the last general elections has also joined the list of the presidential hopefuls.
At the same time, Eugene Wamalwa, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader announced his candidacy during the Democratic Action Party meeting held early this year.
Also in contention is Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who recently affirmed that he will fulfill young Kenyans request of vying for presidency in 2027, saying that youths have pressured him to vie for the country’s top seat because of his leadership qualities backed by his excellent and exemplary past performance record.
Maraga mentioned inability by the current leadership to stump out deep rooted corruption as the root cause of Kenya’s economic crisis, lack of respect for the rule of law, substandard healthcare to the citizens with nonfunctioning health insurance schemes amongst other thorny issues which have made the living standards unbearable to many Kenyans.
Maraga says his plan to reform Kenya begins with restoring professionalism in the government, enforcing the rule of law, and combating corruption without fear.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday night, Maraga said the country is broken because leaders have abandoned constitutional order and failed to give professionals the space to work.
Maraga said if elected, he will assemble a competent team, allow them to perform their duties without interference, while holding them accountable.
“I am a lawyer; we have many other professionals. This country requires many people, and what I can assure Kenyans is that I will assemble a team of professionals in various areas. I will not purport to know what is done in the medical field. I will leave that to the experts,” Maraga said.
“What I will do is necessary vetting and get the necessary people in place, once there, allow them to work, but call them to account. I believe that is what is required, and if Kenyans trust me, I am committed to doing exactly that. I will provide leadership that will enable the professionals to do their work as required, and the country will move forward,” he added.
He stressed that Kenya must return to constitutionalism, where the law applies equally to all. He said that as president, he will lead by example and guide the country back to order.
“What we have right now is a situation where we are leading to a total breakdown of the rule of law, those in authority think they can do whatever they want and escape with it. If we continue with that, we cannot have a country,” he warned.
The former CJ said corruption is weakening the nation, and he pledged to confront it directly. He recalled his time at the judiciary, where those found guilty of graft were removed from office, and said that same principle will guide his leadership.
“I know what I’m up against, that I am going to step on very thick toes, but it requires someone to do and trust me, I will,” he said. “Where there will be evidence, I will be the first person to send any person found culpable home.”
Maraga said his decision to run for president was not made lightly. It followed deep reflection and discussions with like-minded individuals who shared his concerns over the state of the country.
As the election draws near, intense campaigns are expected, focusing on key issues like economic development, corruption, and governance. The outcome will likely depend on how well each candidate resonates with voters and addresses their concerns.
