Former Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has pushed back against claims portraying him as a political proxy of President William Ruto, insisting he is charting his own independent course.
In an interview on Radio Maisha on Tuesday, Owalo rejected suggestions that he remains aligned and is secretly working as Ruto’s project despite stepping down from his government role.
He maintained that he cannot be reduced to anyone’s political project, emphasizing his autonomy in decision-making.
“I am not Ruto’s project. I cannot be anybody’s project because I am above that,” he said.
Owalo explained that his previous support for Ruto was never hidden, recalling how he publicly declared his backing in 2019 and actively campaigned through to the 2022 General Election victory.
According to him, there is no basis for claims that he could still be secretly working with the President after exiting government.
He questioned the reasoning behind such allegations, noting that had he wished to continue supporting Ruto from within, he would have simply retained his position instead of resigning.
The former official said his departure was motivated by a desire to pursue a distinct political direction.
In January 2026, he formally announced plans to vie for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, a move he said made his continued stay in government untenable.
He confirmed his resignation in a statement dated January 12, 2026.
During his time in office, Owalo oversaw government delivery and efficiency initiatives, placing him at the core of the administration’s performance agenda.
He has also previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy.
Over the years, Owalo has worked alongside prominent leaders such as the late Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
He says his presidential ambition signals a shift away from personality-driven politics, with a focus on practical development outcomes for Kenyans.