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Eliud Owalo quits govt job after declaring bid to challenge Ruto in 2027
12th January, 2026 12:05 AM
Eliud Owalo, who has been serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, has stepped away from government to chase what he calls a lifelong personal calling.
Through his Facebook account, Owalo confirmed that he had resigned from his position with immediate effect, saying the decision came after deep reflection about where his heart and future truly lie. For him, it was not just about politics, but about purpose.
“Following my declaration earlier today that I intend to run for the 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 said on Facebook.
A personal leap
Earlier in the day, Owalo revealed that he intends to run for the presidency in 2027, a move that automatically made his continued stay in government difficult.
He explained that he no longer wanted to work behind the scenes for political individuals but instead wanted to serve Kenyans directly.
“Come 2027, I want to change the paradigm. I will not continue to work for political individuals, but I want to work for the Kenyan people,” he said.
Owalo shared that his decision was shaped by lessons from his past, the realities he has observed while in public service, and feedback from ordinary Kenyans he has met in recent weeks, including during a visit to Nomiya Church.
According to him, those conversations pushed him to make what he described as a deliberate and conscious choice about his future.
He also clarified that stepping down was not an act of rebellion or protest, but a matter of integrity, as he did not want to hold a government office while actively preparing for a personal political journey.
A new direction
Beyond the resignation, Owalo painted a picture of a man eager to start a fresh chapter, one rooted in service, ideas, and connecting with people on the ground.
He spoke about wanting to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and to a political culture that allows diverse voices to thrive.
He also touched on his home region of Nyanza, saying he hopes to see a future where different political opinions can coexist without fear. To him, that kind of openness is not just political, but deeply human.
As he walks away from his government desk, Owalo now begins a different kind of journey, one filled with uncertainty, hope, and the courage to follow what he believes is his calling.
