How 2027 politics is shaping up and key leaders to watch

With the clock fast ticking towards 2027, the political landscape has already taken form with several key figures positioning themselves.

Following the hotly contested 2022 election, the stage is being set for a fierce battle in the next general election.

Both established political players and emerging leaders are currently strategising their paths-eyes set on the presidency.

The next election is promising to be crucial considering the shift in alliances and new political dynamics.

Here are the leaders to watch.

Raila Odinga

Despite the streak of losses in his presidential bids, the opposition chief remains a key figure in the country’s politics.

His involvement in the 2022 election, and the subsequent formation of the Azimio La Umoja coalition, cemented his influence.

Many speculate that Raila might make another presidential bid in 2027, possibly as a kingmaker or through a coalition-building strategy.

While it is unclear whether he will run again, his political weight and ability to rally significant support will be critical in shaping the contest.

He is currently seeking the African Union Commission (AUC) job and currently enjoys the support of President William Ruto.

Political pundits are of the view should he fail to clinch the seat, he is likely to be on the ballot and may give Ruto a run for his money in his reelection bid.

Kalonzo Musyoka

The Wiper Party leader is shaping up to be a key figure ahead of 2027.

Despite having stayed in the cold for several years, his strategic positioning makes him a man to watch as the country inches closer to the next general election.

Kalonzo has been a prominent figure in the country’s politics for over three decades, serving in various capacities and as a key player in several presidential campaigns.

After being sidelined in the 2022 elections by the Azimio Coalition in his bid to deputise Raila, his political resilience puts him in the right place to enter into negotiations with other like-minded leaders.

While he has not publicly declared his intention to run for the presidency, his 2027 bid could see him step into the limelight again, especially as a leading voice in the opposition.

For Kalonzo, 2027 could be his final chance at the presidency. His road to the presidency is, however, not without challenges.

His time in the political wilderness and the shifting dynamics in the opposition coalition may present hurdles in the form of emerging leaders and a potentially divided opposition.

Furthermore, his past attempts at the presidency have been marked by perceived compromises and political alliances that did not always translate into tangible gains for his supporters.

Rigathi Gachagua

The former deputy president has quickly become a major figure in the political scene, with eyes now turning to his potential role in the 2027 general elections.

His rise to the second-highest office in 2022 has propelled him into the national spotlight, and many are watching closely to see how he will position himself.

One of his major political assets is his solid support base in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

The region, which has been traditionally aligned with the Kikuyu community played a pivotal role in electing Ruto as president.

Gachagua has capitalised on this regional support, often positioning himself as the voice of the people in Central Kenya.

His direct approach, coupled with his appeal to the region’s political and economic aspirations, has made him an influential figure within the region.

There have been reports that he is likely to team up with Kalonzo to form a formidable team to take on Ruto.

The seeming political deal between Ruto and Raila coupled with Gachagua’s impeachment have triggered the realignments. Gachagua and Kalonzo, on one hand, feel betrayed by their partners.

Kalonzo allies told the Star that the team is burning the midnight oil to make the new vehicle ready by the end of the year.

Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo – a close confidant of Kalonzo – told the Star that the new political vehicle would be in place soon.

He said the yet-to-be-unveiled coalition will have who-is-who in the country’s political landscape on board.

“We are working on the new coalition and looking for the new partners, the coalition should be in place by Christmas. We are first making sure we have as many like-minded parties as possible,” Maanzo said.

Eugene Wamalwa

While the DAP-K leader appears to be a non-starter, political observers see his growing influence in the Western region as a force to reckon on come 2027.

Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) was the latest party to announce its plans to exit the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance Coalition, on November.

Party leader Eugene Wamalwa said they have initiated the process of exiting the coalition stating that their stay in the Opposition coalition is no longer tenable.

"We cannot stay and we no longer find it tenable being in a relationship with people who are no longer like-minded with us," he said.

Wamalwa might team up with Kalonzo and Gachagua ahead of the polls to try and oust Ruto.

The Luhya community, despite their numbers, have never put their votes in one basket.

In 2022, Ruto and Raila shared the region’s votes.

Wamalwa’s role come 2027 will be to also ensure he also gets a slice of it.

Jeremiah Kioni

The Jubilee leader is another figure to watch. He is currently in the same camp with the likes of Kalonzo.

While signs are clear that he is not going for the presidential seat in 2027, political observers are of the opinion that he is likely to join hands with other leaders in his camp to front one candidate.