Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has publicly declared that he will run for president in 2027, setting himself up for a direct challenge against President William Ruto as the country begins to shape its next political contest.
Amisi made the announcement on Sunday during roadside stopovers in Luanda town and Mudete, Vihiga County, where he told residents that Kenya needs new leadership and a different direction.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of dragging the country backwards through what he called mismanagement and self-serving politics.
“I will come back here on the 9th not to seek votes as an MCA, Women Rep or Senator, but as a candidate for President of the Republic of Kenya,” he told the crowd, adding that he believes the country “has lost its way” under the current government.
The Saboti legislator also took aim at President Ruto, alleging that the head of state is using senior leaders including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to advance narrow political interests at the expense of public welfare.
Amisi, who sits in the Kenya Moja caucus alongside Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, has been steadily carving his own political identity. In recent months, he has openly pushed back against ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration, warning in July that he may not seek re-election on the party’s ticket if the collaboration continues.
“I was elected on an ODM ticket for five years. But if ODM continues working with William Ruto, I won’t go back to the voters with that party,” he said then.
His bold statements have drawn criticism at home. Elders from Trans Nzoia County recently urged him and Sifuna to resign if they truly intend to part ways with ODM, saying their remarks were divisive and raised questions about their suitability for leadership. They argued that fresh by-elections would provide a clearer test of their political strength.
Amisi has dismissed the calls, saying his focus remains on fighting injustices affecting his community and ensuring young people have a stronger voice in shaping the country’s future.
He did not indicate whether his presidential bid will be under ODM, another coalition, or a new political vehicle, only saying that the details will be made clear as the race draws closer.
