Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has revealed plans to unveil a new political party in February 2026, as he prepares to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on a local media station on Sunday, February 2, 2026, Owalo confirmed that his new political outfit will be launched within the next 27 days, as he seeks to pursue what he described as an issue-based political agenda.

“We are going to unveil the party this month. In the course of this month,” he stated.

Issue-based political agenda

When asked whether he would work with any coalition, Owalo emphasised that his focus would be on addressing critical challenges facing Kenyans.

“I would really wish to pursue an issue-based political agenda to address the challenges facing Kenyans,” he said.

The former CS outlined his key priorities.

“Issues to do with high cost of living, issues to do with taxation, issues to do with spiralling debt, issues to do with unemployment, lack of opportunities for youth and women,” Owalo stated.

He indicated he would be open to working with like-minded presidential candidates who share his vision.

“If there is a convergence, a common denominator, between my political formation and any presidential candidate to that effect, then we will work together,” he said.

Rejection of ethnic politics

However, he ruled out joining what he described as transactional and ethnically driven politics, saying he would not associate himself with alliances formed solely to win elections and share power.

“But I will not be party to the type of politics I’m seeing today. I don’t believe in politics where you put together ethnic conglomerates for purposes of merely winning elections and sharing power,” Owalo said.

Owalo added that Kenya’s political environment had reverted to a pattern he had previously opposed, noting that his earlier support for President William Ruto was informed by a rejection of ethnic-based political mobilisation.

“And by the way, we are back to where we were in 2019,” he said.