Eliud Owalo Resigns from State House Position and Declares 2027 Presidential Bid

Eliud Owalo has officially resigned from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, shortly after announcing his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement released on Sunday, Owalo confirmed that he had vacated the office with immediate effect, saying his continued stay in government could no longer be justified following his declaration to seek the country’s top leadership position.

“After publicly stating my intention to run for President in 2027, my role as Deputy Chief of Staff is no longer sustainable,” Owalo said, adding that his resignation took effect immediately.

Owalo had been serving in a key coordination role at State House, where he was responsible for monitoring the delivery of government programmes and ensuring efficiency across ministries, departments, and agencies.

His exit from government now clears the path for his formal entry into the 2027 presidential race, making him one of the earliest senior officials within the Executive to openly declare interest in succeeding President William Ruto.

Earlier in the day, Owalo revealed his presidential bid during the 106th annual commemoration of his grandfather, Prophet Johanna Owalo, the founder of the Nomiya Church. The event was held at the church’s headquarters in Oboch, Kisumu County.

“Come 2027, I will present myself to Kenyans as a presidential candidate,” Owalo told congregants, describing himself as a results-driven leader ready to take bold decisions for the country.

The announcement signals a new political direction for Owalo, who has previously worked closely with leading figures such as Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Musalia Mudavadi, and most recently served under President Ruto. He said his focus is now shifting from backing individual leaders to directly pursuing national development.

Addressing residents after the church service, Owalo called for practical leadership and development-oriented politics in Nyanza. He outlined several priority projects, including the expansion of water infrastructure such as the Koru–Soin dams to manage flooding, improve electricity generation, enhance food security and extend clean water access to households.

He also emphasized the importance of completing the Lake Victoria Ring Road to connect Busia and Migori, noting that improved transport links would boost trade within the region and with neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania.

On economic growth, Owalo proposed upgrading Kisumu International Airport to handle cargo flights, arguing that the region should directly export fish, agricultural produce and other goods to international markets.

He further called for the establishment of processing plants for fish, livestock products, hides and skins, potatoes, avocado, tea, coffee and soapstone to promote value addition and create jobs within Nyanza.

Owalo also pushed for the revival of the sugar, rice and cotton industries and reforms in the mining sector to ensure communities benefit from local resources. He concluded by advocating for genuine multi-party democracy in the region, saying the Constitution guarantees political competition and inclusive leadership.

The annual remembrance of Prophet Johanna Owalo’s passing provided Owalo with a symbolic platform to connect his family legacy with his national political ambitions and his vision for development-focused leadership.

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