It’s about two years and several months away from the 2027 General Elections but as days go by, politics in the country continue to heat up.

Rebranding, new formations, strategies and much more is cooking in the political field, as the relevant persons hope for the best in their quest for power and leadership.

One of the major areas of interest is the powerful seat of presidency. More people have joined the list of those who want to replace the current head of state Dr. William Ruto. These individuals include;

David Maraga

The immediate former Chief Justice has confirmed that he will be competing against Ruto and other candidates who will qualify to vie for presidency, after weeks of hinting about this.

On Sunday March 30, 2025, during a church service in Kisii, Maraga said he intends to go for the top position so that he can bring significant change in the country, denying that he is anybody’s project.

“At the end of the day, it is the people who will decide. Just relax, wait and in due course you will make your mind yourself whether or not I’m a state project,” he said.

Weeks ago, Maraga said that corruption is the  greatest thing that was ailing Kenya as well as other African countries.  He further said that if he gets chance to lead the country, he will ensure that things fall into place to avert such a vice.

“If I was to be given the privilege to govern this country, I will get everybody to obey the law and everything will fall into place,” he said.

This fueled a lot of speculations about his future plans in politics.

 

Fred Matiang’i

Word on the streets has it that the former powerful Cabinet Secret, during Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime, will be on the ballot in 2027.

In August last year, reports emerged that Matiang’i had recruited an international lobbying firm,  Dickens & Madson, to assess his prospects as the 6th president of Kenya.

Gusii elders have since endorsed him for the position, saying that his track record on the various ministries demonstrates that he has ability to lead the country.

 

Okiya Omatatah

In November last year, the Busia senator formed a secretariat to explore his ability for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

The committee was tasked with gathering, evaluating and acting on information on his capabilities to challenge William Ruto.

He reached the decision after careful consideration and consultations with trusted advisers.

 

Morara Kebaso

The top government critic and Inject Party leader will also be in the ballot if all goes well for him. The vocal youth leader declared his interest to unseat Ruto about three months ago, during a heated debate on National Television and also on X.

He however joined forces with the opposition earlier this month, which comprises of leaders such as; Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Jimmy Wanjigi (Safina) and Kisii senator Richard Onyonka.

 

Eugine Wamalwa

The DAP Kenya Party leader and a close ally of former president Uhuru Kenyatta also has his eyes on the top seat. His declared his interest in early 2024, urging his party members to support him.

“My party DAP K has endorsed me to run for Presidency during the 2027 general elections. To become president, I must secure at least 50 per cent of the vote from a minimum of 24 counties nationwide,” he said then.

 

Kalonzo Musyoka

The Wiper party leader has been eyeing the top seat for the longest but he often steps down in favor of Raila Odinga. His chance however stood out when Raila left the country’s politics to pursue the chairmanship of African Union.

Using the opportunity of Raila and Ruto’s new found political friendship, Kalonzo took charge of Azimio  saying he is ready to face Ruto in 2027.

 

Martha Karua

The iron lady is preparing herself for the top seat in the 2027 elections and this round, she won’t step down for anybody.

“I want to tell my good former Senator Daniel Karaba that I’m beyond any running mate position, I will be going for the top seat come the next election. I will not be a deputy to anybody again. At the right time I will ask for your votes for the presidency,” she said in January 2025  during a burial ceremony in Kirinyaga.

Karua rebranded her party Narc Kenya to People’s Liberation Party ahead of the tight race. She first contested for presidency in 2013.

Raila Odinga

Although he is yet to make any concrete comment about the 2027 presidential contest, Raila previously said that he will still try again for the 6th time although there is intense pressure for him to retire from politics.

“Many people are saying that baba is too old and tired. Do you want me to leave it to anyone? Doyou want me to continue? How many want me to go on? please raise up your hands,” he said in November 2023.

His shot at the African Commissioner Chairmanship narrowed his chances of  ever vying again but now that he lost the seat, nothing hinders him from vying again.

He however recently got into an agreement with Ruto, a move that saw his allies get positions in government. It is a matter of time before Kenyans are aware of Raila’s plans for 2027, with his current agreement with Ruto.

The current president will be seeking to retain the seat. His political allies claim that the outcome of the elections has already been determined and that victory belongs to him.

Other individuals who have expressed interest in the top seat in the past are CSs Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya. It is not yet clear if they will still pursue the seat after being given lucrative CS jobs by Ruto.

Roots Party leader Prof George Wajackoya, who was a candidate in the 2022 elections, will also be trying his luck in 2027. He declared this in December 2024.