DNK International By Our Political Affairs Reporter,Nairobi
A section of professionals from the Nyanza region living and working in Nairobi have welcomed the decision by former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, overseeing delivery and government performance, Eliud Owalo, to announce his bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in separate interviews with Daily News Kenya–International, the professionals said Owalo brings vast leadership experience, technical expertise, and extensive networks that could spur national development while unlocking the economic potential of the Nyanza region.
Nyanza region comprises five counties,Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kisii.
The professionals described Owalo as a focused and unifying figure with friends across the political divide, noting his record of supporting vulnerable groups, including retired footballers.
They cited his leadership through the Eliud Owalo Foundation, his role as Patron of Gor Mahia FC, and his past service as ICT Cabinet Secretary and Chief Campaign Manager for the late ODM party leader, saying these roles demonstrated wisdom, inclusivity, and strong organizational skills.
“Soon after President William Ruto assumed office in 2022, Owalo convened several development oriented conferences and forums that brought together professionals from the region, with the aim of positioning Nyanza as a prime investment destination,” said one of the professionals,Angwenyi Mosoti.
Owalo formally announced his intention to seek the presidency at Nomiya Church in Siaya County, a religious institution estimated to have over five million adherents.
Political analysts in the region argue that the Church could play a decisive role in Kenya’s next General Election, either by negotiating with presidential candidates or fronting one of its own namely Owalo.
On April 27 last year, while addressing a special service at the Church’s headquarters in Oboch, Asembo, Siaya County, Owalo urged the Church to mobilize its youth to acquire national identity cards and register as voters once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is reconstituted.
“Nomiya Church will be a stakeholder in the coming elections,” Owalo said.
“We will either negotiate with those seeking the presidency or present our own candidate. Without the Church’s support, it will be nearly impossible to win in Luo Nyanza. Nomiya is more influential than any political movement in the region.”he added.
The remarks were made during the commissioning of the Nabii Yohana Owalo Mausoleum, led by Cardinal Archbishop Moses Okech alongside other senior church leaders.
Owalo emphasized the importance of organized political participation, urging the Church to leverage its numerical strength to influence national leadership and policy direction.
“We are an integral stakeholder. It is not only the political class that should sit at the table where the cake of this country is shared,” he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who represented President William Ruto as the Chief Guest, challenged the ODM party,prior to its entry into the broad-based government to unify its message and fully support the administration.
“The goal of any political party is to form a government,” Kingi said.
“ODM must not waste opportunities to influence governance. Let us not confuse the community. If you are going East, let us go East, if you are going West, let us go West. Unity is your bargaining power now and in the future.”
Kingi also congratulated Nomiya Church adherents, praising the vision of the Church’s founder Johana Owalo, the grandfather of Presidential aspirant.
“Charity begins at home. Johana Owalo practiced resistance by teaching truth to his followers, and in the same spirit, Eliud has embarked on empowering his own community,” he remarked.
Nyanza region now has two Presidential aspirants,Fred Matiang’i from Gusii community and Owalo from Luo community.
[DNK-International@January 14,2026]
