NAIROBI, Kenya — Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has declared her intention to contest the presidency in 2032, saying she will leave the crowded 2027 race to other politicians.
Odhiambo made the declaration in Parliament while responding to remarks by another lawmaker, confidently telling the House that she had already set her sights on the election after the 2027 General Election.
“You know that I will be the President in 2032. I leave the men to fight over now. That is their problem. But in 2032, I’m the President,” she said.
Her announcement comes as politicians across Kenya position themselves for the 2027 presidential contest, with President William Ruto seeking a second term and several opposition figures preparing to challenge him.
Ruto leads early opinion poll
An Infotrak survey conducted between June 22 and 26 placed Ruto ahead of potential presidential contenders, with 32 per cent national support.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka followed with 13 per cent, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna each recorded 12 per cent.
Several other politicians have already declared their intentions to run or received backing from their respective political parties.
Kalonzo has been endorsed by his Wiper Patriotic Front party as its 2027 presidential candidate and launched his presidential campaign platform in June.
Matiang’i has been endorsed by Jubilee as its presidential candidate, while People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has reaffirmed her intention to contest.
Karua first announced her presidential bid in September 2025 and said she would serve only one term if elected.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has also entered the 2027 presidential race, campaigning on governance, accountability and institutional reform.
Other politicians who have declared or indicated presidential ambitions include former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, activist Boniface Mwangi, businessman and politician Jimmy Wanjigi and Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency Eliud Owalo.
Opposition coalition yet to pick candidate
The opposition landscape remains fluid, with the United Alternative Government bringing together several prominent leaders, including Kalonzo, Karua, Matiang’i, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wamalwa.
The coalition has yet to settle on a presidential flag bearer.
Karua said in July that no decision had been reached and that the candidate would be selected through an agreed consultative framework.
The eventual candidate will face Ruto if the President secures the ruling coalition’s nomination and seeks re-election.
Odhiambo eyes longer-term political future
Odhiambo has represented the area now known as Suba North in Parliament since 2008. She initially served as a nominated MP before winning election to represent the constituency.
Over her political career, she has been outspoken on issues including governance, women’s rights, children’s rights, political violence and political party organisation.
Her decision to target 2032 places her among a growing number of politicians already discussing the political contest beyond the immediate 2027 election.
She joins Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has also publicly outlined a long-term presidential ambition.
Owino has said he intends to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027, serve one term and then seek the presidency in 2032.
For Odhiambo, however, the immediate priority appears to be allowing the current crop of presidential aspirants to battle for the 2027 nomination while she prepares for the following electoral cycle.
Her declaration also signals that Kenya’s political succession debate is beginning to extend beyond 2027, with potential contenders already positioning themselves for the country’s next political generation.
