Politician Eliud Owalo wears an unmistakable serious demeanour in public. Whether he is persuading a gathering to consider his presidential quest or engaging a local soccer club over their performance, he always appears determined.
Despite not receiving considerable attention over his desire to oust President William Ruto, Owalo has remained steady, recently launching the People’s Prosperity Party (PPP), a vehicle he will use in an attempt to ascend to State House in 2027.
Owalo’s bid, according to observers, is seen as a third force in a race expected to be a photo‑finish contest featuring big names in the Opposition, such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, who are already dominating the quest.
Insiders claim Owalo’s strategy is to capture the “disenfranchised middle class” and Nyanza professionals who feel alienated by the Orange Democratic Movement’s radicalism but betrayed by the United Democratic Alliance’s economic policies.
By launching his own vehicle, the former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy avoids the trap of joining a coalition where he would be a junior partner. He is betting that Nyanza is ready for a post‑Odinga leadership that focuses on economics rather than grievance.
Sources suggest Owalo has the backing of quiet donors in the corporate sector who are tired of the current political instability. "He is the safe pair of hands the private sector has been waiting for," said a political risk analyst.
Political analyst Samuel Owida told The Eastleigh Voice that Owalo’s quest should not be downplayed because he is a renowned leader in the country who can attract a sizeable number of votes depending on how he plays his political cards.
“He is a master strategist in politics. Remember, he has worked with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Ruto on how to win elections. I think he should not be ignored because he might pull a surprise,” Owida says.
Owalo has meanwhile vehemently denied claims that he is President Ruto’s “project”. In a past media interview, Owalo stated that he is pursuing an independent political path.
“I am not Ruto’s project. I cannot be anybody’s project because I am above that,” Owalo stated.
Eliud Owalo speaks during the requiem mass of football legend Allan Thigo at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall in Kisumu. (Photo: Handout)
He further 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 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.
According to the politician, who also worked as a former deputy chief of staff for President Ruto, unlike politicians who make promises only during election season, his record in public service speaks for itself and proves leadership should be measured by results rather than empty rhetoric.
Owalo believes that Kenya’s leadership crisis has been fuelled by politicians who seek power through promises but fail ordinary citizens immediately after assuming office. He stressed that his presidential bid represents a departure from personality‑driven politics, focusing instead on delivering tangible development outcomes for Kenyans.
While projecting himself as a different kind of leader, Owalo cited his past experiences in institutional management as one key attribute that would help him revive the Kenyan economy.
“My work record speaks for itself. Many politicians make promises during elections, but leadership is measured by the record and results. I believe that experience in managing institutions with transparency and accountability can be used to build a strong economy and promote Kenya’s success in sports and other areas,” Owalo stated.
While addressing supporters earlier, he indicated willingness to work with leaders across the political divide, having worked with several key figures across Kenya’s political landscape, including the late Raila, Kalonzo and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
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