List of popular journalists eyeing political seats in 2027 elections

Kenya’s newsrooms are increasingly producing names who are considering a move into elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Some journalists have already declared their interest, while others have left media jobs or publicly spoken about their political ambitions. Others remain linked to particular seats without making a formal declaration.

The growing trend has also prompted the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to issue guidelines for journalists planning to enter politics.

Here are some of the journalists and media personalities whose names have emerged ahead of the 2027 polls.

Trevor Ombija

Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija is eyeing the Nyakach parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ombija launched his political bid in Kisumu in March 2026 and in September publicly joined President William Ruto’s Tutam movement. He cited development projects, including roads and the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Nyanza, among issues influencing his political direction.

Stephen Letoo

Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo has expressed his intention to contest the Kilgoris parliamentary seat in 2027.

Letoo has publicly spoken about his political ambitions in Trans Mara, with his planned bid attracting attention in his home area.

Tina Ogal

Radio Citizen presenter Tina Ogal is eyeing the Embakasi East parliamentary seat.

Ogal joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in April 2026 and subsequently expressed interest in contesting the constituency in the 2027 General Election.

John Wanyama

Citizen TV journalist John Wanyama left Royal Media Services in August 2026 as he prepared to pursue a political career.

Wanyama is seeking the Malava parliamentary seat, with his resignation coming ahead of the 2027 election.

Willis Raburu

Former Citizen TV 10 Over 10 host Willis Raburu is pursuing a political path in Kisumu.

Raburu has expressed interest in the Kisumu Senate seat and joined the Linda Mwananchi movement associated with former Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Salim Swaleh

Former Citizen TV and NTV Swahili anchor Salim Swaleh has declared his intention to contest the Gilgil parliamentary seat.

Swaleh announced his bid in June 2026, saying residents had encouraged him to return home and seek the seat.

Michael Njenga

Inooro TV journalist Michael Njenga has also been linked to elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Njenga has been associated with the Kabete parliamentary seat in reports on journalists considering political careers.

Mwanahamisi Hamadi

Citizen TV journalist Mwanahamisi Hamadi has been linked to the Likoni parliamentary seat.

Her participation in political activities in Mombasa, including a rally where she spoke about leadership and the need for change, has fuelled speculation about a possible bid.

However, unlike journalists who have formally announced their candidacies, her political plans have largely remained at the level of public interest and speculation.

Alex Mwakideu

Radio 47 presenter Alex Mwakideu has previously spoken about his plans to venture into elective politics.

In 2023, Mwakideu said he had wanted to vie for a parliamentary seat during the 2022 General Election but was not financially ready at the time.

“My political journey is on,” Mwakideu said, adding that he planned to prepare early for the 2027 election so he would have the financial resources required to contest.

His earlier comments referred to a parliamentary bid and did not amount to a declaration that he was seeking a governor’s position.

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