“I am Not Ruto’s 2027 Project,,” Presidential Aspirant Eliud Owalo Reveals

The 2027 Presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has dismissed claims that he is President William Ruto’s pet project ahead of the forthcoming general elections. The former President’s Deputy Chief of Staff and ICT Cabinet Secretary dismissed allegations that his 2027 bid is intended to divide votes or serve external political interests. Owalo questioned the logic behind claims that he is covertly aligned with the administration. He argued that his decision to pursue the presidency independently contradicts suggestions that he is acting on behalf of others. “If I wanted to work towards 2027 elections why would I walk out of the upper echelons of government and work from outside? It just doesn’t make sense,” he stated. On January 12th, 2026, Owalo stepped down from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency, citing his presidential ambitions in the 2027 General Elections. The government official announced an immediate resignation after a public declaration of his intention to contest against incumbent President William Ruto. “Following my declaration earlier today that I intend to run for Presidency of the Republic of Kenya in the year 2027, my position as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency is no longer tenable. I have therefore resigned from the position with immediate effect,” Owalo wrote in a social media post. Owalo has positioned himself as a reform-oriented candidate focused on economic restructuring and governance efficiency, though questions remain about his political base and electoral viability. He unveiled an ambitious tax reform agenda, promising sweeping reductions aimed at easing the cost of living and unlocking opportunities in the digital economy. Speaking during an interview on Capital In The Morning Show, Owalo said that if elected President of Kenya, he would cut income tax from 35 percent to 20 percent, describing the move as essential to increasing disposable income for Kenyans. He also pledged to lower Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16 percent to 10 percent, arguing that VAT is a key driver of high consumer prices. “VAT, which is a major contributor towards the high cost of living index, I’m going to reduce it instantly from 16% to 10%,” Owalo said. Owalo further announced plans to abolish digital taxes entirely. He framed the proposal as a strategy to empower youth and stimulate innovation.