Senator Okiya Omtatah Makes Changes to Team as 2027 Presidential Plans Take Shape

Senator Okiya Omtatah Makes Changes to Team as 2027 Presidential Plans Take Shape

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has reshuffled his presidential exploratory team as preparations for his possible 2027 presidential bid enter a new phase.

Omtatah made the changes through a gazette notice issued on Friday, October 2, appointing new officials to lead the Presidential Exploratory Committee.

David John Bwakali has been appointed the new chairperson of the committee, while Dancan Otieno Onyango has been named deputy chairperson.

The two officials replace Mary Kathomi Ringu and Charles Ole Kabaiku, whose appointments were revoked through the same gazette notice.

Ringu previously served as the committee’s chairperson, while Kabaiku was the deputy chairperson and diaspora coordinator.

The changes come as Omtatah continues assessing whether to formally enter the 2027 presidential race, with his exploratory committee expected to conclude its work before his next major political announcement.

“IT IS notified for the information of the general public that Senator Andrew Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has, with immediate effect, appointed David John Bwakali-Chairperson, Dancan Otieno Onyango (Dr.) – Deputy Chairperson, of his Presidential Exploratory Committee.”

The gazette notice also confirmed the cancellation of the previous appointments.

“The appointment of Mary Kathomi Ringu (Ms.) as Chairperson and Charles ole Kabaiku as Deputy Chairperson/Diaspora Coordinator, made vide Gazette Notice No. 15372 of 2024, is revoked.”

Omtatah extends committee’s mandate

The senator also extended the committee’s tenure to November 2026, giving the team additional time to complete its assessment of his presidential ambitions.

The committee will, however, cease to exist once Omtatah formally announces his decision on whether to contest the presidency.

“The Committee’s tenure has been extended and shall remain in office until November 2026. It shall be dissolved immediately upon the aspirant formally announcing his candidacy for the presidency or his decision not to run,” the notice stated.

The committee was established in November 2024 after Omtatah publicly expressed interest in contesting the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

Its mandate has included examining the viability of his potential candidacy, assessing public support and developing strategies for possible campaigns.

The team has also been involved in public engagement, allowing Omtatah to interact with citizens and communities and gather views on issues affecting Kenyans.

Omtatah keeps distance from opposition groups

Omtatah’s political plans have also taken a different direction from some of the emerging opposition formations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The senator has indicated that he does not intend to join either the United Opposition or the Linda Mwananchi Movement.

He has argued that the emerging political formations have not yet presented sufficiently clear policy platforms to convince him to join them.

Instead, Omtatah has continued exploring an independent political path while assessing his chances of mounting a presidential campaign.

His political profile has grown since he was elected Busia senator, with his public advocacy and legal background forming a major part of his political identity.

Omtatah has also continued positioning himself as a potential alternative to the established political camps ahead of the 2027 election.

Omtatah’s 2027 presidential ambition

The senator’s exploratory committee is expected to use the remaining period to assess public opinion and determine whether there is sufficient support for a presidential campaign.

The extension to November gives the team a defined timeline before Omtatah makes his final decision.

If he confirms his candidacy, the committee will be dissolved and the senator is expected to begin the next phase of his political campaign.

For now, the changes to the exploratory team signal continued preparations around Omtatah’s 2027 presidential ambitions, although the senator has yet to formally declare his candidacy.

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Senator Okiya Omtatah Makes Changes to Team as 2027 Presidential Plans Take Shape