Government spokesperson Charles Owino has predicted a wave of political defections ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, warning that some senior government officials could turn against President William Ruto after benefiting from government appointments and privileges.
Speaking about the political realignments expected to intensify as the elections approach, Owino said some Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs) could leave government and begin attacking the President after years of serving in senior positions.
“Right now, there are Principal Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries, come next February, after having drawn a government salary, driven in a big car, and served as a PS or CS, who will start insulting the president,” Owino said.
According to the government spokesperson, such officials could present themselves as advocates for ordinary Kenyans despite having benefited from lucrative government positions and associated privileges.
“They'll come to mislead the public, saying they are there for the people yet, they've lined their pockets with handsome salaries and benefits before saying this,” he added.
Owino’s remarks come as political activity begins gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders expected to reassess their alliances and political ambitions.
The government spokesperson argued that some of the anticipated defections would not necessarily be driven by ideological differences or concerns about governance, but by personal political interests.
“If you look closely, these defections are driven by self-interest. Perhaps someone didn't get a government job, or was removed from a previous position,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding politicians who abandon their parties or political formations, particularly when such decisions are made close to an election.
Owino said the timing of a defection could provide important clues about the motivations of the politician involved.
“You have to ask them: ‘Why are you defecting now? Why didn't you leave last year?’” he said.