A task force formed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah to assess the viability of his presidential bid has begun collecting public opinions in Western Kenya. The team, chaired by Mary Kathomi Riungu, held consultations in Nakuru County on Tuesday, gathering insights from residents on whether Omtatah should contest the country’s top seat in the 2027 elections.
According to Riungu, the 10-member team has already engaged citizens across nearly all Mt Kenya counties since launching public consultations in January.
“We were gazetted in November last year, but we began public meetings in January. We have traversed the Mt Kenya region and are now in the western region belt,” she said.
During the Nakuru consultations, Riungu noted that the task force has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many Kenyans expressing a desire for a different style of leadership.
“Most Kenyans we have engaged want a different style of leadership. They are asking if our candidate will be different, accountable, and committed to upholding the Constitution,” she stated.
Following their engagement in Nakuru, the team will proceed to Narok, Kisii, and Nyamira counties to further assess public sentiment regarding Omtatah’s potential candidacy.
Senator Omtatah, a renowned anti-corruption crusader, established the Presidential Exploratory Committee to evaluate his prospects of mounting a strong challenge against President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. Unlike many Kenyan politicians, Omtatah has yet to align himself with any political faction, opting instead to base his decision on the findings of the public consultation exercise.
During the committee’s unveiling, Omtatah emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is to gather, analyze, and evaluate information regarding his presidential viability. The committee was formalized through a gazette notice dated November 22, signaling a structured and transparent approach to his potential candidacy.
The task force consists of key individuals, including Charles Ole Kabaiku as Deputy Chair and Diaspora Coordinator, David Bwakali as Political and Grassroots Strategist, and Victor Kipng’etich as Legal Adviser. Other members include Hanifa Adan (Public Relations/Media Consultant), Jude Ogulla (Analytics Lead), and Kevin Migwe Kimwatu (Committee Spokesperson).
Omtatah has emphasized that Kenya stands at a pivotal moment in its history, requiring bold and innovative leadership. His team aims to ensure that his vision aligns with the aspirations of the electorate as they continue their nationwide consultations.
