Lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna has announced that he will contest the 2027 presidential election in Kenya.

He made the declaration during a live interview on Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026.

Speaking from Toronto, Canada, where he holds dual citizenship, Miguna said he plans to run on a transformative vision built on socialism and integrity. He emphasised that his leadership would focus on the interests of ordinary Kenyans rather than elite gains.

“I am going to vie as President of the Republic of Kenya. I’m going to do it on a transformative vision, a vision that identifies the interests of the Republic of Kenya and the people of Kenya as the core and foundation of moving the country forward. It is a vision built on integrity and built on socialism,” he stated.

Miguna said that Kenya needs governance that prioritises public welfare over profit-driven policies. His emphasis on socialism signals a clear challenge to the current capitalist framework, which critics argue has increased inequality.

The announcement places Miguna among a growing list of aspirants for the presidency, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and activist Boniface Mwangi. Mumias East’s MP Peter Salasya has also expressed interest.

Exile and legal battles

Miguna, a Kenyan-Canadian barrister, first rose to prominence for his vocal criticism of past governments. He gained international attention in 2018, when authorities deported him to Canada after he administered a symbolic oath to opposition leader Raila Odinga following the disputed 2017 election.

At the time, the government revoked his Kenyan passport, citing dual citizenship, and barred him from returning. Miguna successfully challenged the decision in court, arguing it violated his rights.

During nearly five years in exile, Miguna rebuilt his law practice in Canada to support his family while continuing to advocate for constitutional reforms and anti-corruption measures. He briefly returned to Kenya in 2022.

Miguna has not yet announced a political party or detailed specific policies. However, he has repeatedly highlighted inequalities in the application of citizenship laws and called for equal treatment of all Kenyans.