President Omtatah?: Senator forms team of six to explore 2027 State House bid

Busia Senator Okiya Omutatah during County Public Investments and Special Fund Committee sitting at KICC ,Nairobi on September 12, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has established an exploratory presidential committee that he hopes will propel him to the presidency in two years.

The team, whose names were published in the Friday Kenya Gazette, will explore the viability of the senator's presidential bid for the August 27, 2027 General Election.

"We are at a pivotal moment in our nation's history, and the call to serve has never been more urgent. After careful consideration and consultations with trusted advisors, community leaders, and citizens from all walks of life, I am pleased to announce the formation of a Presidential Exploratory Committee," said Omtatah Saturday.

He said the formation of the team was a "crucial step in ensuring that our vision for the future aligns with the hopes and aspirations of Kenyans."

The six-member team will conduct opinion polls and surveys, to assess the aspirant's popularity, name recognition and electability, evaluate the current political landscape, including the strengths of potential opponents and analyze national, regional and demographic political trends and assess public sentiment on key issues.

The committee is also supposed to develop an initial campaign strategy and draft a high-level campaign roadmap outlining potential alliances, timelines, and resources required, among others.

"The mandate of the committee will be to assess the aspirant's ability to raise campaign funds, develop and implement an initial fundraising strategy including outreach to potential donors, track and report all funds raised, ensuring compliance with Kenyan electoral finance regulations in the performance of its functions," said the Gazette notice.

The committee, to be led by Mary Kathomi Riungu, will be in office for a period not exceeding 18 months and will be dissolved once the senator formally announces his candidacy or decision not to run.

Charles Ile Kabaiku will be the deputy chairperson while David John Bwakali will be the political and grassroots strategist.

Omatata is a first-time senator and an activist known for his prowess in filing court cases for public interest, especially against the policies of the government that he deems oppressive and illegal. He joined politics in 2022 as an independent candidate.