Citizen TV journalist and Nyakach parliamentary aspirant Trevor Ombija has found himself at the centre of online discussion after appearing alongside President William Ruto during the Head of State’s recent tour of Nyanza.
Ombija’s appearance came as he publicly declared his support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, placing his political ambitions and media profile in the spotlight.
According to reports published on 14 September 2026, Ombija joined the President’s Tutam movement and used his appearance in Nyanza to express support for Ruto.
From the newsroom to the political stage
Ombija is not new to political reporting. He has built his career around covering politics and current affairs and is one of the recognisable faces of Citizen TV.
His move into active politics, however, marks a significant change from his traditional role as a journalist.
He is seeking to represent Nyakach Constituency in the 2027 General Election. His public association with Ruto has therefore added another layer to his political journey.
“President Ruto karibu Nyanza, tunakupenda. TUTAM siku zote. Jeshi ya rais.”
The message was shared by Ombija on TikTok as Ruto began his development tour of Nyanza.
What happened in Kisumu?
During his address, Ombija spoke about infrastructure projects in the region and linked his support for Ruto to what he described as development taking place in Nyanza.
Among the projects he mentioned was the upgrading of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
He also referred to the planned Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriageway and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway towards Kisumu and Malava.
Ombija recalled being caught in heavy traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway during a Christmas holiday, using the experience to explain why he supports the road project.
“For 60 years, no one constructed this highway. It is President Ruto who is doing it now.”
Kenyans react to the new political chapter
The moment has attracted attention partly because of Ombija’s long career in journalism.
His transition mirrors a wider pattern in Kenya, where well-known media personalities are entering elective politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reports have identified several other media figures seeking political seats, including Peter Wanyama, Stephen Letoo, Lulu Hassan, Mwanaisha Hamadi and Tinah Ogal.
For Ombija, the Kisumu appearance was therefore more than a meeting with a sitting president.
It was a public display of his political position as he prepares for the Nyakach race.
His decision has also sparked discussion about the transition from journalism to politics, particularly for personalities who have spent years building public profiles through the media.
As the 2027 political season approaches, Ombija's presence alongside Ruto is likely to remain part of the public conversation around his campaign and his new role outside the newsroom.
