5 Leaders Seeking to Replace President Ruto

Even before the ink has a chance to dry on the inauguration papers, Kenya’s political stage is already ablaze with anticipation for the 2027 general election, particularly the presidential one.

It’s a time-honored tradition that typically kicks off with legal challenges against the declared winner of the presidential seat. Should the apex court dismiss the petition of the election runner-up, the gears of preparation for the next election start turning.

The narrative remains unchanged, and in this captivating saga of 2027 politics, we observe four formidable leaders positioning themselves with eagerness to succeed the incumbent President, Dr William Ruto potentially. A foundation is being laid for an intense and gripping electoral battle ahead.

Raila Odinga

Behind closed doors, leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have been quietly encouraging Raila Odinga to embark on his sixth presidential campaign in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Reports fromNationhave unveiled concerns within the ODM Party regarding the potential adverse effects on the party’s financial resources if Mr Odinga were to abstain from vying for the presidency.

Nonetheless, ODM National Chairman John Mbadi emphasized that Mr Odinga’s decision to contest the 2027 elections ultimately lies in the hands of both him and the Kenyan populace.

“We have seen world leaders, some older than him in power. As far as I’m concerned, we have won several times, but we have been denied victory. So as long as he is not president, there is nothing stopping him from contesting because if he is healthy and strong, he has the right to contest,” Mr Mbadi said.

Kalonzo Musyoka

While he undeniably stands as a formidable contender, the Wiper Party leader has garnered notable endorsements, particularly within the Kamba region.

One such endorsement comes from Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who, in mid-February this year, voiced her opinion that Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja party, should throw his support behind Mr Musyoka’s presidential bid.

Addressing the public during a participation meeting in Kathiani sub-county, Ms Ndeti emphasized that the Kamba community had grown weary of extending political support to Mr Odinga without a commensurate reciprocation.

“I am telling Kalonzo without fear of any contradiction that he should ask Raila to support him come 2027. Failure to do that, we will rally the entire community to withdraw its support for Raila,” she said.

Reuben Kigame

In January this year, the veteran gospel star turned politician declared his interest in contesting for the presidency seat come 2027. In a post on the X platform, Mr Kigame shared that he had joined a political party which he would use to run for the highest seat in.

He wrote, “I finally found a political party in Kenya that I believe in. I will run for office in 2027, but not as an independent candidate.”

Quashing believes that he was moving too fast by declaring his political interests, Mr Kigame responded by saying, “Because we just came from an election, some may think I am starting the journey to the next one too early. Let me put it this way. I was not on the ballot, so I am only continuing with the race. We left the race for those who forcefully took over power. I am still a different kind of voice.”

Eugene Wamalwa

Last year, during the Democratic Action Party -Kenya (DAP_K) first anniversary celebrations, Eugene Wamalwa announced that he would be in the race to State House in 2027.

Having worked as a cabinet secretary of different sectors for 10 years, Mr Wamalwa said that he would be coming back to politics faulting President William Ruto

“We believe we are the party of the future of the Western because the ANC and Ford Kenya are now captured in Kenya Kwanza and there is a vacuum growing and we want to grow into it also they are not going to fill presidential candidates both of them said they will back the president and we are not part of 2047, but rather we are going for this in 2027.”

However, he is still under the Azimio la Umoja coalition umbrella.

Saitabao Ole Kanchory

The former chief agent of Raila Odinga hinted at contesting for presidency in 2027 via his social media account. The famed lawyer asked the youth to vote for him while promising to uplift their livelihoods.

He posted, “The next election is 4 short years away and since the campaigns have started (or never stopped), let me take this early opportunity to answer your call for me and other courageous young leaders to rescue our country from the wicked grip of political deception, conmanship and corruption that cuts across the current political divide. If we are tired of the same old fake folks, faces, and stories, let’s make 2027 the year of true change and a new dawn.”