Busia Senator, Lawyer, and human rights activist, Okiya Omtatah, has declared his 2027 presidential bid and has since attracted criticism and elation from a section of state officials and his avid supporters. His launch for a presidential exploratory committee to assess the ground, just two and a half years before the 2027 general elections, appears to have triggered a jittering wave among the biological reproductive symbolism believers.
Politics in Kenya are often more about ethnic liberation than being integrational-oriented. This biological reproductive symbolism in politics is a belief in the tyranny of numbers—that the majority ethnic group weighs more advantageously over the minorities. This is multi-tribal kingpinship, which requires tribal formidables to form coalitions of political parties to be able to clinge the top leadership.
Politics pegged on tribal patterns are more divisive, often promote inequality, and derail socio-economic development in an African country like Kenya—still considered a third-world country. Now, those opposed to Okiya Omtatah’s presidential aspirations have a preconceived psychology that for him to win, he must have major tribes pulling the strings in synegy.
The Gen Z’s protests perhaps did not teach the political class a basic knowledge that political norms are subject to intergenerational change no matter how long it takes. The Gen Z demonstrations in June, July, and August left the political class gobsmacked and almost became the turning point for the entire continent’s political connoissers. Kenya became a benchmark for second liberation possibilities for the Gen Zs in Nigeria and Uganda, but they were met with a supersonic speed of response from their respective governments.
The claim that he’s unpopular; hence, he cannot unsit the political juggernaut—President William Ruto could be a myopian, but the political climate in the country has always been unpredictable. More political realignments are expected in the next two years, which could determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
But the Gen Zs have maintained that they are tribeless and won’t allow themselves to be used as political vessels by the corrupt politicians. Most of them have weighed their support behind Okiya Omtatah, while others are doubtful of the fact that it is too early to tell. Some are suggesting Dr. Fred Matiangi, due to his boldness and meticulous performance in the education sector in the preceding regime.
Okiya Omtatah’s Presidential Ambition has Triggered Sharp Cricism
The Nandi County Senator, Samson Cheragei, has thrown Okiya’s bid under the bus, citing the cost of running a successful presidential campaign. He said the presidential hopeful will need a financial boost amounting to KES 7 billion to capture a voting bloc, who he said are not aware of the social media hype.
“To my brother and colleague senator @OkiyaOmtatah, while I wish you well in your presidential bid, there are few things you need to be aware of, such as that to run a successful presidential campaign, you need a minimum of 7B; a voting bloc that’s established; a grass roots network that aren’t even aware of social media existence/hype; plus, to vie against H.E. Ruto is a toll order who outwitted & outsmarted the government candidate Raila Odinga in the 2022 general elections,” he posted on X.
On the comment section, the majority of X users ranted and debunked the notion as medieval thinking that Okiya needs such a volumenous amount and that the sitting president is inconsequential at all, thus warranting less attention.
Frederick Okango, a political commentator, described Okiya Omatatah’s presidential bid as less appealing and risks facing a futile endeavor for lack of a solid ethnic block. Fredrick Okango is a strategic advisor and secretary of political affairs. He is also one of the ardent insiders of Raila Odinga and has made several media appearances supporting the political pundit.
“It’s great to dream big, but politics is a numbers game. Okiya Omtatah’s 2027 presidential ambitions face a hard truth: without a solid ethnic voting bloc or widespread national appeal, his campaign plan risks being a noble but futile endeavor. #KenyaPolitics,” he stated on X.
Okiya Omtatah’s Hope for the Betterment of Kenya
On November 22, 2024, Okiya Omtatah gazetted a committee of ten noble minds, tasked with the role of conducting a comprehensive assessment for the viability of his candidacy geared towards the 2027 presidential elections. This committee will gather crucial information pertaining to his bid, with a much greater focus on public engagement, national challenge assessment, and a solution-oriented path.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and the call to serve has never been more urgent. After careful consideration and consultations with trusted advisors, community leaders, and citizens from all walks of life, I am pleased to announce the formation of a Presidential Exploratory Committee,” stated the Busia Senator, Okiya Omtatah.
“This committee will thoroughly assess the viability of my candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. It’s primary focus will be to engage with the public, gather input on the most pressing challenges facing our nation, and determine how best to address these issues with bold and innovative leadership,” the presidential hopeful added.
Hours after the declaration, support has poured in from different trajectories—of profiles of people who feel that Okiya’s presidency is a golden opportunity for the country’s posterity. Some have debunked the notion of financial support as stated by the Nandi Senenator and rather offer various support, including voluntary ground mobilization, transport facilitation, and financial support where needed.
Okiya’s bid has left many, from the perenial political wheel dumbfounded, but the future still remains unknown to everyone. With much back-to-back criticism considered astutionless by his supporters, much is yet to take place. With Okiya Omtatah’s astounding history in fighting for better governance and accountability, his win could become a relic of hope for those who are weary of living in a morally bankrupt country plagued by dysfunctional leadership.
