Former CS Moses Kuria. Photo/Courtesy
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has sparked early buzz for 2026 after naming three leaders he says could shake up Kenya’s political scene.
In a New Year message on X, Kuria described Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, KANU chairman Gideon Moi, and Ida Odinga as “surprise packages” poised to change the country’s political direction.
“The following people will be the surprise package of 2026. They will change the political direction of our nation,” Kuria wrote, sending social media abuzz with speculation.
Oparanya, a former Kakamega governor, now heads the Cooperatives and MSMEs docket in President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
Known for his strong grassroots support in Western Kenya, his inclusion hints at a possible rise in influence for leaders with both county and national experience.
Gideon Moi, the son of former President Daniel arap Moi and KANU chairman, remains a symbolic yet significant political figure.
While KANU no longer dominates national politics, Moi’s influence in parts of the Rift Valley and his party’s historical weight make him a figure to watch.
Ida Odinga, widely recognized as the widow of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, has largely avoided the political spotlight.
Yet her name carries resonance within ODM circles and among followers of Raila’s legacy, making her inclusion one of Kuria’s more surprising predictions.
Kuria did not outline how the three might steer Kenya’s politics, leaving room for speculation as the country edges closer to 2026.
His comments come amid quiet political maneuvering as parties and leaders test the waters ahead of the next general election.
With Kuria’s predictions now public, all eyes will be on Oparanya, Moi, and Ida Odinga to see if they can live up to the “surprise package” label and reshape Kenya’s political map in the coming year.