Research draft ยท records up to 30 September 2026
Kenyan leaders and 2027 contenders
What each leader said and what they did, with sources. Actions count most. This is not voting advice. For background, education and career, see the biographies.
Government, opposition and the 2027 race
- William RutoPresident since 2022. Deputy President 2013 to 2022. Party: UDA.
- Kithure KindikiDeputy President since 1 November 2024. Interior CS 2022 to 2024. Tharaka-Nithi Senator 2013 to 2022. UDA.
- Rigathi GachaguaDeputy President 2022 to Oct 2024 (impeached). Former Mathira MP. Leader of DCP.
- Kalonzo MusyokaVice President 2008 to 2013. Former minister. Wiper leader. United Opposition principal.
- Fred Matiang'iEducation CS 2015 to 2018. Interior CS 2018 to 2022. Jubilee leader.
- Martha KaruaJustice Minister 2005 to 2009 (and earlier Water Minister). Former Gichugu MP. Leader of PLP.
- David MaragaChief Justice 2016 to 2021. United Green Movement (UGM) presidential candidate for 2027.
- Okiya OmtatahBusia Senator since 2022. Public-interest litigant. Leader of the National Reconstruction Alliance. Weighing a 2027 presidential run.
- Boniface MwangiPhotojournalist and human rights activist. 2027 presidential aspirant.
- Edwin SifunaNairobi Senator since 2022. Removed as ODM Secretary-General. Linda Mwananchi presidential candidate.
- Ndindi NyoroKiharu MP. Former Budget Committee chair. Leader of the People's Party since Aug 2026.
- Babu OwinoEmbakasi East MP since 2017. Nairobi governor aspirant.
- Peter SalasyaMumias East MP since 2022. 2027 presidential aspirant.
- Gladys WangaHoma Bay Governor since 2022. Part of the ratified ODM leadership team.
- Millie OdhiamboSuba North MP. National Assembly Minority Chief Whip. ODM.
- Karen NyamuNominated Senator (UDA) since 2022.
- Millicent OmangaFormer nominated senator. Joined DCP in March 2026. Nairobi Woman Rep aspirant.
- Anne WaiguruKirinyaga Governor since 2017. Former Devolution CS.
Earlier leaders
- Jomo KenyattaPrime Minister 1963. President 1964 to 1978. KANU. Died 1978.
- Daniel arap MoiVice President 1967 to 1978. President 1978 to 2002. KANU. Died 2020.
- Mwai KibakiFinance Minister 1969 to 1982. Vice President 1978 to 1988. President 2002 to 2013. Died 2022.
- Uhuru KenyattaDeputy Prime Minister 2008 to 2013. President 2013 to 2022. Jubilee. Retired; his record in office is complete.
- Raila OdingaEnergy Minister 2001 to 2002. Roads Minister 2003 to 2005. Prime Minister 2008 to 2013. ODM. Died October 2025.
- Jaramogi Oginga OdingaVice President 1964 to 1966. Founded KPU and later co-founded FORD. Died 1994.
- Tom MboyaTrade unionist. Justice Minister 1963 to 1964. Economic Planning Minister 1964 to 1969. KANU Secretary-General. Assassinated 1969.
- George SaitotiFinance Minister 1983 to 1993. Vice President 1989 to 1997 and 1999 to 2002. Internal Security Minister 2008 to 2012. Died 2012.
- Ronald NgalaKADU leader 1960 to 1964. Leader of Government Business before independence. Later KANU minister. Died 1972.
- Kenneth MatibaMinister under Moi until 1988. FORD-Asili leader. 1992 presidential runner-up. Died 2018.
- Bildad KaggiaOne of the Kapenguria Six. MP and Assistant Minister 1963 to 1964. KPU Vice-President. Died 2005.
- J.M. KariukiNyandarua North MP and Assistant Minister. Former Mau Mau detainee. Murdered 1975.
- Pio Gama PintoJournalist and KANU MP. Assassinated 1965.
- Wangari MaathaiFounder of the Green Belt Movement. Tetu MP and Assistant Environment Minister 2003 to 2005. Nobel Peace laureate. Died 2011.