NAIROBI, Kenya – Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has declared that he intends to become Kenya’s next president after William Ruto, joining a growing group of senior politicians positioning themselves for the 2032 presidential contest.
Ledama made the declaration on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in a post on X, saying he was looking beyond the political contests surrounding the 2027 General Election.
“I will serve as the 7th President of Kenya following President @WilliamsRuto tenure as the 5th and 6th. Let others tire themselves chasing the moment; I am focused on the future,” Ledama wrote.
Ruto is Kenya’s fifth president and would remain the fifth president if he wins the 2027 election and serves a second term.
Ledama Joins Crowded 2032 Succession Race
Ledama’s declaration adds him to a growing list of prominent politicians who have either declared presidential ambitions or been identified by their allies as potential successors to Ruto.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho was among the first senior figures in the current administration to openly declare his interest in succeeding Ruto.
In July 2025, Joho said he wanted to become president while urging Kenyans to support Ruto’s bid for a second term in 2027.
“Let Ruto return for a second term. When 2032 comes, the President of Kenya will be Hassan Ali Joho,” Joho said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also positioned himself for the presidency.
In August 2026, Mudavadi said his interest in 2032 was the presidency and ruled out seeking the position of running mate to another candidate.
Wetang’ula Signals Western Kenya Bid
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has similarly signalled his presidential ambitions.
Wetang’ula has said Western Kenya is preparing to pursue the country’s top leadership after the current administration, and in June said he would be involved in leading the region’s push for the presidency.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also emerged as a potential successor, although he has repeatedly urged political leaders to concentrate on the 2027 election rather than campaigning for 2032.
Kindiki’s calls followed public endorsements from leaders including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Senator Samson Cherargei.
Mbadi Backs Luo Presidency Bid
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has also said he is among leaders prepared to champion the push for a Luo president in 2032.
Speaking in Siaya in July, Mbadi said it would be an injustice if the Luo community failed to produce a president in the next presidential election.
“I am one of those people who are ready. I have studied politics under Raila and completed it,” Mbadi said.
The succession debate has, however, raised concern from Kindiki, who has warned Kenya Kwanza leaders against diverting their attention from the 2027 contest.
“I am calling on all leaders across this country… to stop early campaigns for 2032,” Kindiki said in July.
2032 Succession Debate Takes Shape
Ledama’s declaration adds another potential contender to an increasingly crowded field, with political leaders from different regions and parties beginning to articulate their ambitions for the post-Ruto era.
With the 2027 General Election still ahead, the competing succession ambitions are likely to remain part of Kenya’s political debate as leaders position themselves for the next presidential cycle.
