2027 Kenya election: Wantam Movement launches online vote to pick presidential candidate
By Aloys Michael, July 15, 2026The Wantam Movement has launched a digital voting platform that will allow supporters in Kenya and abroad to choose their preferred presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The initiative, known as the Wantam Digital Election System, is aimed at creating a public-driven process for selecting the movement’s preferred presidential flagbearer as political activity intensifies ahead of Kenya’s next polls.
Unlike traditional political negotiations where party leaders often determine candidates, the movement says the online voting process will give ordinary supporters a direct role in identifying a candidate they believe can lead the country.
Voting will begin on July 25 at 6 am and close on July 26 at 6 pm, with organisers saying vote tallies will be displayed live as the exercise progresses.
Wantam Movement Committee Chairperson Francis Masinde said the digital election is designed to promote transparency and allow supporters to participate in shaping the movement’s political direction.
“The process will be conducted in phases, with the top five candidates from the initial digital vote progressing to a public flagbearer debate where they will outline their vision for the country ahead of a final round of voting,” Masinde said.
The first stage will involve a nationwide online vote involving 16 presidential aspirants. The five candidates who receive the highest number of votes will advance to a public debate before supporters participate in a final vote to select the movement’s preferred presidential candidate and running mate.
The presidential aspirants listed on the Wantam Digital Election System include Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, David Maraga, Fred Matiang’i, Okiya Omtatah, Edwin Sifuna, George Wajackoyah, Reuben Kigame, Ndindi Nyoro, Jimmy Wanjigi, George Natembeya, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Willis Otieno and Boniface Mwangi.
Masinde said the platform has been developed to ensure transparency, with supporters able to follow the voting process through live updates. He added that Kenyans living outside the country will also be eligible to participate.
Voting process
The Wantam Movement’s digital selection process will take place in three stages. Supporters will first vote online for their preferred presidential aspirant from the list of 16 candidates.
The five candidates who receive the highest number of votes will then proceed to a public flagbearer debate where they will present their vision and plans for the country.
After the debate, supporters will take part in a final vote to select the movement’s preferred presidential candidate and running mate.
The launch comes as Kenya’s 2027 presidential race continues to take shape, with political leaders and emerging alliances increasing grassroots mobilisation efforts across the country.
Masinde said the digital platform will allow supporters within Kenya and in the diaspora to participate in the selection process, adding that live updates will help promote confidence in the exercise.
While the Wantam Digital Election System does not have a constitutional role in determining Kenya’s official presidential candidates, the movement says the initiative is intended to identify a candidate capable of uniting supporters around a shared political agenda ahead of the 2027 polls.
The exercise comes amid growing political activity as potential presidential contenders position themselves and political formations seek to build support ahead of the next General Election.