Omtatah explained that the Committee’s primary objective will be to gather, analyze, evaluate, and act on information on the viability of the Senator’s presidential bid for the August 2027 General Election.
Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah has set up a Presidential Exploratory Committee consisting of 10 members including activist Hanifa Adan, to explore his potential candidacy for the 2027 presidential elections.
In a gazette notice dated November 22, Omtatah explained that the Committee’s primary objective will be to gather, analyze, evaluate, and act on information on the viability of the Senator’s presidential bid for the August 2027 General Election.
“Pursuant to Article 129, as read together with Article 138 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, it is notified for the information of the general public that Andrew Okiya Omtatah Okoiti, the Senator of the Republic of Kenya elected by the great people of Busia County, has established a Presidential Exploratory Committee (the “Committee”),” read the notice in part.
The committee will be led by Mary Kathomi Riungu who will organize the coordination of the Committee’s activities and ensure timely delivery of outputs. She will be deputized by Charles Ole Kabaiku who will also serve as the Diaspora Coordinator.
Political activist Hanifa Adan speaking at the SKM Command Centre on November 13, 2024. /KALONZO MUSYOKA
Kabaiku will assist the chairperson in fulfilling her responsibilities and overseeing matters related to the diaspora.
David John Bwakali will serve as the Political and Grassroots Strategist, tasked with offering insights into political trends, and electoral dynamics, and identifying key strategic opportunities.
The committee’s Legal Advisor, Victor Kipng’etich, will ensure compliance with electoral laws and provide legal counsel on matters relevant to the team’s operations.
Adan has been appointed as Public Relations/Media Consultant of the committee who will manage the team’s public image and handle media relations.
Also on the list is Jude Ogulla who will be the analytics lead, conducting opinion polls and surveys to gauge political viability and public sentiment. Purity Ndambuki and Emmanuel Baraka will serve as the Joint Secretaries, responsible for supporting and ensuring the smooth functioning of the committee.
Kevin Migwe Kimwatu will serve as the Committee Spokesperson, while Julius Okara (Eng.) will act as the Patron, providing guidance to the committee.
About the Committee
The Committee shall remain in office for a period not exceeding eighteen (18) months from the date of the publication. However, it shall be dissolved immediately in the event the aspirant formally announces his candidacy or decision not to run.
All activities, assets, and records will be transferred to the appropriate campaign or political entities as directed by the aspirant.
Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Committee
(a) Political Viability Assessment:
(i) Conduct public opinion polls and surveys to evaluate the aspirant’s popularity, name recognition, and electability
(ii) Assess the current political landscape, including the strengths and weaknesses of potential opponents
(iii) Analyze national, regional, and demographic political trends
(iv) Assess public sentiment on key issues.
(b) Stakeholder Engagement:
(i) Engage with key political stakeholders, including political party leaders, grassroots organizations, corporate bodies, civil society, and influential groups
(ii) Organize meetings with potential allies, endorsers, and influencers to gauge support for the aspirant’s bid; and
(iii) Facilitate discussions with political analysts, think tanks, and advisors for strategic input.
(c) Strategic Planning:
(i) Develop an initial campaign strategy
(ii) Draft a high-level campaign roadmap outlining potential alliances, timelines, and resources required
(iii) Identify and recruit potential members of the campaign team, including advisors, strategists, and key operational staff.
(d) Legal Compliance Oversight:
(i) Ensure adherence to electoral laws and regulations of Kenya, including the Political Parties Act and the Elections Act
(ii) Monitor compliance with campaign finance laws and ensure timely reporting to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), where necessary; and
(iii) Provide legal advice to protect the aspirant from electoral legal risks.
(e) Media and Public Relations:
(i) Conduct a media presence analysis, reviewing the aspirant’s visibility and reputation across digital and traditional media
(ii) Test messaging by developing and disseminating preliminary public statements, speeches, and social media campaigns; and
(iii) Liaise with the media and manage public inquiries, focusing on building authentic narratives around and about the aspirant.
(f) Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation:
(i) Assess the aspirant’s ability to raise campaign funds
(ii) Develop and implement an initial fundraising strategy, including outreach to potential donors; and
(iii) Track and report all funds raised, ensuring compliance with Kenyan electoral finance regulations.
In July, during an X space discussion, Omtatah hinted at a potential presidential bid, indicating that his decision to run would be influenced by the people’s call rather than his interest.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah during a past media address outside the Milimani Law Courts. /KBC DIGITAL