Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the August 2027 elections, aiming to unseat President William Ruto as political alignments continue to take shape across the country.
Speaking on Sunday during a roadside engagement with residents in Luanda town and Mudete in Vihiga County, Amisi said his bid is aimed at helping Kenya regain its lost standing due to what he described as mismanagement by the current administration.
He accused President Ruto of prioritising selfish political agendas over national development and of using leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, to advance personal interests at the expense of Kenyans.
“I will come back here on the 9th not to seek votes as an MCA, Women Representative, or Senator, but for the President of the Republic of Kenya. I will be seeking votes to lead this country,” Amisi said.
Amisi, who is a member of the Kenya Moja caucus alongside ODM Secretary Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, has recently focused on carving a political path independent of party-based structures.
In July, he threatened to leave ODM, citing the party’s continued partnership with the Kenya Kwanza administration as a dilution of its core ideologies and principles.
''I am a member of ODM I was elected on an ODM ticket for five years. Until then, if ODM continues collaborating with William Ruto, then I will not seek re-election with that party,'' Amisi said.
Despite his rising political profile, Amisi has faced criticism for his aggressive approach to national politics and the mobilisation of a youthful political brigade.
Elders from Trans Nzoia County have publicly urged both Amisi and Sifuna to resign from their positions following their threat to decamp from ODM.
The elders described statements by Amisi and Sifuna as divisive, claiming they reflected poorly on their suitability for leadership roles, either within ODM or elsewhere.
They argued that resignations would pave the way for by-elections, providing a test of the two leaders’ political credibility without relying on ODM’s support.
However, Amisi dismissed the criticism, stating that his focus is on addressing injustices faced by his community and ensuring that the youth have a strong voice in shaping the country’s future.
Amisi did not reveal whether or not he will challenge for the presidency under ODM colours or a new vehicle registered between now and then.
