Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has launched his preliminary campaign for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election. He recently announced a 10-member Presidential Exploratory Committee to assess his candidacy.
The committee will spend 18 months engaging with citizens and analyzing national challenges. Mary Kathomi Riungu will lead the team as coordinator, with Charles Ole Kabaiku serving as deputy.
“The road ahead requires thoughtful preparation,” Omtatah said during the announcement in Nairobi. “This exploratory phase will ensure our vision aligns with Kenyans’ hopes.”
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. Courtesy photo
However, the path to the presidency appears challenging. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei estimates a successful campaign needs at least Sh7 billion in funding.
“Running a presidential campaign requires enormous resources and solid political backing,” Cherargei said. He also emphasized the importance of strong grassroots networks beyond social media support.
The committee includes several key strategists. David John Bwakali will serve as Political and Grassroots Strategist. Victor Kipng’etich joins as Legal Adviser.
Hanifa Adan takes the role of Public Relations and Media Consultant. Jude Ogulla will lead analytics and opinion polling efforts.
The team also features joint secretaries Purity Ndambuki and Emmanuel Baraka. Kevin Migwe Kimwatu will act as spokesperson, while Engineer Julius Okara serves as patron.
Their responsibilities include developing campaign strategy and identifying potential political alliances. They will also recruit key campaign staff and advisers.
Omtatah’s motivation stems from public service rather than personal ambition. “I will run because people think I am the best driver of the vehicle they have invented,” he stated.
The senator faces several obstacles in his bid. Critics point to his lack of a strong ethnic voting bloc and limited financial resources.
Additionally, questions surround his academic qualifications. Omtatah holds a diploma from Kenya Polytechnic, which may affect his eligibility under some party rules.
However, he enjoys support among young voters dissatisfied with the current administration. His history of successful legal battles against government policies has earned public trust.
The political landscape continues to evolve. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has also expressed interest in the presidency.
Omtatah’s committee will focus on gathering public input about pressing national issues. They aim to develop innovative solutions through collaborative leadership.
The senator emphasizes digital election systems as a key campaign priority. This aligns with calls for modernizing Kenya’s electoral process.
His bid could disrupt traditional political alliances. It may challenge both ruling party and opposition coalition dynamics.
The committee’s 18-month timeline allows thorough evaluation of campaign viability. This period will reveal potential support levels and resource availability.
Omtatah’s team must address significant fundraising challenges. They need to build nationwide networks beyond his current support base.
The 2027 race promises strong competition against incumbent President William Ruto. Observers note Ruto’s political experience and established campaign machinery.
Nevertheless, Omtatah remains committed to offering alternative leadership. His focus on public engagement suggests a grassroots-oriented campaign approach.
The coming months will test his ability to transform political goodwill into tangible support. His committee’s findings will shape the final decision on his candidacy.
