Eliud Owalo has resigned from his position as President William Ruto’s Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, citing his intention to run for the Presidency in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Sunday January 11, 2026, Owalo said his continued stay in the role had become untenable following his declaration earlier in the day to seek the country’s top office.

“Following my declaration earlier today of my intention to run for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya in the 2027 General Election, my continued service as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency has become untenable,” Owalo said.

He added that he had formally resigned from the position with immediate effect.

Owalo served in President Ruto’s administration after being appointed to oversee delivery, coordination and efficiency in government operations.

His docket involved tracking the implementation of key government programmes, improving inter-agency coordination, and strengthening performance management across ministries and State agencies.

His resignation makes him one of the earliest political figures within President Ruto’s inner administration to openly declare a presidential bid for 2027, a move analysts say signals the beginning of early political realignments.

Before his appointment to State House, Owalo served as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, where he oversaw policy reforms in the ICT sector and government digitisation initiatives.

Meanwhile, he is yet to disclose the platform, party affiliation or coalition he will be using to contest for the presidency.