Owalo gains Western Kenya backing for 2027 presidential bid

Friends of Owalo Lobby Group, Vihiga Chapter, led by Organizing Secretary Nelson Ligaga addressing the media./ Faith Matete 

Friends of Owalo Lobby Group, Vihiga Chapter, addressing the media. /Faith Matete 

A new political push is emerging in Western Kenya, with allies of presidential hopeful Eliud Owalo rallying support for his 2027 bid under the banner of what they describe as Kenya’s “Third Liberation.” 

In a press briefing by the Friends of Owalo Lobby Group, Vihiga Chapter, the group framed Owalo’s campaign as a shift from political gains to economic empowerment, arguing that the country must now focus on tackling poverty, exclusion, and inequality.

Owalo, who declared his presidential ambitions in January has anchored his campaign on economic transformation, what his supporters say is the next phase after independence and the expansion of political freedoms

Addressing the media, the group's organizing secretary, Nelson Ligaga, said Western Kenya continues to experience economic marginalisation despite its contribution to the national economy.

"Here in Western Kenya, we speak from a lived reality. The profits of our labour are enjoyed by a few while many remain trapped in poverty,” he said. 

The group called for a new development strategy that prioritizes local wealth creation and retention, arguing that economic gains must directly benefit communities.

They singled out border towns such as Busia and Malaba as critical economic gateways, saying investment in trade infrastructure and business hubs could unlock regional markets across East and Central Africa and create jobs. 

Youth empowerment also featured prominently in the statement, with the group backing plans to invest in sports and the digital economy as avenues for employment. 

They pointed to proposals to establish digital hubs as key to absorbing the growing youth population. 

On governance, the group emphasized the need to tackle corruption, describing it as a major barrier to shared prosperity. 

They supported reforms such as digitizing financial, procurement, and revenue systems, alongside the use of real-time public dashboards to enhance transparency.

"We cannot speak about prosperity without addressing corruption,” Ligaga said. 

The Vihiga-based group pledged to mobilise grassroots support across the region, saying their campaign would bring together farmers, traders, teachers, youth and elders under a shared vision of inclusive growth.

They said their outreach will extend to villages, markets, schools, and places of worship and will be conducted peacefully and within the law. 

The endorsement signals early political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election as candidates begin to outline their agendas and consolidate regional backing. 

The group urged Kenyans to support Owalo’s candidature, expressing confidence that his leadership would deliver equitable economic growth and opportunity for all.