Lawyer Miguna Miguna has formally joined the race for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, saying he wants to offer Kenyans a new political path anchored on integrity and the interests of the people.

Miguna said his decision to seek the country’s highest office is driven by a vision he believes can redirect national leadership towards citizens rather than political elites.

He said his agenda focuses on reshaping governance by placing the needs of Kenyans at the centre of policy and decision-making.

“I am going to vie for the presidency of the Republic of Kenya in 2027, and I am going to do it on a transformative vision,” he said on Wednesday night during an interview with TV47.

“A vision that identifies the interest of the people of Kenya as the core and the foundation of moving the country forward.”

Miguna said the values guiding his political bid sharply differ from those shaping current governance. He said his approach rejects existing economic and leadership models that, in his view, have failed to deliver for ordinary citizens.

“It is a vision that is built on integrity and is built on socialism, not capitalism,” Miguna stated.

His declaration places him among a growing number of political figures who have publicly expressed interest in the presidency well ahead of the 2027 polls, signalling an early start to what is expected to be a closely contested election.

Several leaders are already positioning themselves for the race. They include former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, former Chief Justice David Maraga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, PLP leader Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and activist Boniface Mwangi.

Matiang’i has secured backing from the Jubilee Party as its presidential candidate. Recent polling data has shown him performing strongly in various regions, placing him ahead of some long-serving political figures.

The declared aspirants are expected to face President William Ruto, who has indicated he intends to seek a second term.

As political competition builds, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has begun early preparations for the 2027 elections. Commission officials have said 2026 will be a key year in ensuring the polls are properly organised.

The planned work includes completing voter registration exercises and reviewing election procedures to strengthen confidence in the process. Civil society groups and political parties have also been engaging the commission on issues of transparency and accountability.

Within the opposition, uncertainty remains over the presidential path to be taken by the ODM party. Party leader Oburu Oginga said a final decision has not yet been made on whether ODM will present its own candidate or work with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.

“Of course, if we are going it alone, I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate,” he said on December 31, 2025.

“That presidential candidate is none other than the party leader. It is the party leader speaking, and I am the party leader. I am the presidential leader for ODM if ODM decides to go it alone.”

Oburu said the party will settle the matter before the end of 2026.

“Things must be worked out before 2027. Going into the New Year, before the end of the New Year, we shall have decided and made clear all the necessary arrangements,” Oburu said.

“Before the end of the year, our party shall know whether we are going it alone or we are going to go into a coalition with other parties.”

Even as public frustration with the government grows, the Kenya Kwanza coalition has pointed to recent by-election results as evidence of political strength. The wins recorded in November 2025 have been cited as a boost for President Ruto as the 2027 contest approaches.