The 2027 Kenyan Presidential election may be approximately 2 years away, but the campaigns have started nationwide.
Several Kenyans have declared their intent to run for presidency, with younger candidates reflecting the influence of Kenya’s youth, particularly following the Gen Z protests.
This includes Morara Kebaso, Jackson Ngechu Makini (CMB Prezzo), Peter Salasya and Babu Owino.
Morara Kebaso
Morara Kebaso is a young Kenyan politician known for criticizing government flaws and advocating for more accountability.
Born on June 18, 1985, in Nakuru, Kenya, Morara’s journey is a testament to what determination and hard work can achieve.
Morara announced his 2027 presidential bid on November 24, 2024. This comes from his alignment with Gen Z’s push for governance reforms contributed to by the 2024 protests.
Morara’s grandfather, the late George Kebaso, was a significant figure in Kenyan politics, having served as a Member of Parliament.
Morara inherited the principles of leadership, dedication, and service that his grandfather exemplified, deeply respecting his accomplishments. This legacy guided Morara’s aspirations, driving him to seek impactful roles in business, entertainment, or politics to bring about change.
Morara’s educational journey began at Maseno School, where his talents in drama and music flourished but his vibrant personality led to his expulsion, and he was transferred to St. Francis Gekendo Secondary School and later studied Law at Kenyatta University.
After initially engaging with opposition leaders like Rigathi Gachagua and Martha Karua, Kebaso later distanced himself, citing their ties to tribal politics and corruption. He now emphasizes the need for youth-driven movement, rejecting reliance on established political figures.
Kebaso has proposed a grassroots crowdfunding model, asking 15 million young voters to contribute Ksh100 each to raise Ksh1.5 billion for his campaign. This approach has sparked debate, with critics calling it impractical or opportunistic amid economic hardship.
Kebaso’s campaign focuses on rooting out corruption, addressing youth unemployment, and achieving food sovereignty.
Also Read: Scenarios That Could Lead to a Runoff in 2027
Jackson Ngechu Makini (CMB Prezzo)
Jackson Ngechu Makini, alias CMB Prezzo, is a Kenyan rapper and entrepreneur.
Born in 1980 in Nairobi, Prezzo was raised in Eastleigh and later Lang’ata by his Tanzanian mother, Dinna Bhoke Makini, after his father’s death in 1993.
Prezzo announced his intention to run for the Kenyan presidency in the 2027 general election on March 23, 2025.
He has formally registered his own political party named Chama Mabadiliko Busara (CMB). He describes CMB as a grassroots movement aimed at gaining support all over Kenya.
The party’s emblem is a chain on the verge of breaking, symbolizing freedom and the dismantling of socio-political issues like tribalism according to the party’s official website.
Prezzo draws inspiration from the 2024 Generation Z-led protests, which he views as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s socio-political landscape. His campaign focuses on addressing systemic issues such as tribalism and promoting national unity, though specific policy details remain limited in public statements.
“God willing, we shall leave everything in His hands, but… He also commands us to help ourselves first,” Prezzo said in a recent interview.
Prezzo has in the past vied to be the Wiper Party candidate for Kibra parliamentary seat in 2019, as well as the Kasarani parliamentary seat, but lost in both contests.
He described the Kasarani loss as his “first failure in life” but a learning curve and vowed to continue pursuing political change.
Prezzo’s candidacy has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters admire his flamboyant persona and optimism, while critics question his political experience and seriousness, given his background as an entertainer.
Peter Kelerwa Salasya
Born on January 15, 1989, Peter Kelerwa Salasya grew up in a humble family of seven siblings.
Salasya attended Shandarema Primary School and later Lubinu Boys High School and ended up enrolling at Egerton University, Nakuru Campus where he graduated in 2013.
Salasya worked as a bicycle seller before becoming a banker and later a politician.
On April 28, 2025, Salasya announced his presidency bid, positioning himself as a youthful, transformative leader aiming to challenge the Kenyan political structure.
His campaign focuses on industrialization, economic empowerment, social justice, and youth inclusion, with promises to tackle unemployment, corruption, and healthcare issues.
It’s unclear which party he will ultimately use, and his affiliation may depend on future political developments.
Currently the Mumias East MP, Salasya focuses on uniting the Luhya community and fostering national inclusivity according to his vibrant official X account.
Since May 1, 2025, Salasya has been on a nationwide tour, starting in Busia County, where he has been engaging youth and grassroots communities in counties like Bungoma, Mombasa, and Isiolo. He claims to enjoy significant support, particularly among young Kenyans.
Salasya might be his own enemy when it comes to clinching the presidential seat due to his legal troubles.
On May 10, 2025, Salasya evaded an alleged arrest attempt in Mombasa by unidentified armed men, which he called a “criminal act” aimed at intimidating him. On May 16, 2025, he was arrested on the Isiolo-Nanyuki road, charged with hate speech and false publication, and detained in Nairobi.
He has since been freed on a Sh200,000 cash bail.
Also Read: Gachagua Clarifies 2027 Post Election Violence Remarks
Babu Owino
Paul Ongili Owino who was born on October 10, 1989, Babu Owino is a Kenyan politician and MP for Embakasi East Constituency as well as a lifetime member of the ODM Party.
He attended Central Primary School and later Kisumu Boys Secondary School.
In 2008, he joined the University of Nairobi for a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science and graduated with First Class Honors. He enrolled again in 2013 to pursue a degree in Law.
Owino has expressed his interest in running for president in Kenya’s 2027 General Election, though he has not formally declared his candidacy.
Babu Owino claims he is “overqualified” for the presidency, citing his leadership experience from his time as a student leader at UoN and as a parliamentarian.
He has suggested a potential joint ticket with Kiharu MP Ndidi Nyoro as his deputy, praising Nyoro’s performance and indicating they could form a strong team.
Owino has challenged party leader Raila Odinga to ensure ODM fields a presidential candidate and wins in 2027, emphasizing the party’s need to avoid ceding ground to “unpopular” candidates.
However, Owino’s political ambitions face challenges. His past includes controversies, such as a 2020 arrest for shooting a DJ, charges of hate speech, and allegations of assault.
Additionally, his relationship with Raila Odinga has been scrutinized, particularly after Owino backed Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 bid and amid speculation of a rift, though he insists his loyalty to Raila remains intact.
Owino’s bid is still speculative, and his decision hinges on consultations and party dynamics.
His vocal criticism of the current administration and focus on youth empowerment could resonate with voters, but his controversial past and internal ODM politics may pose hurdles.
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