Senator Andrew Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has restructured his presidential exploratory team ahead of the 2027 presidency against Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other aspirants.
Omtatah appointed David John Bwakali as chairperson of his Presidential Exploratory Committee and Dr Dancan Otieno Onyango as deputy chairperson in Gazette Notice No. 15936, dated September 28, 2026.
“It is notified for the information of the general public that Senator Andrew Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has, with immediate effect, appointed David John Bwakali—Chairperson, Dancan Otieno Onyango (Dr.)—Deputy Chairperson of his Presidential Exploratory Committee,” part of the notice read.
The appointments replace Mary Kathomi Ringu, who previously served as chairperson, and Charles Ole Kabaiku, who was appointed under Gazette Notice No. 15372 of 2024.
Additionally, the changes come as Okiya Omtatah’s committee’s tenure was extended to November 2026.
According to the notice, the committee will be dissolved once the aspirant formally announces his presidential candidacy or declares that he will not run.
Sifuna and Okiya Omtatah’s Presidential Plans
In November 2024, Omtatah established the Presidential Exploratory Committee to assess his suitability after declaring he would take on President Ruto.
Later, in June 2026, Omtatah said the committee assessing his presidential suitability would complete its work before he decided on his political future.
On the other hand, Sifuna, the former ODM Secretary-General, publicly declared the prospect of challenging President William Ruto.
On September 26, 2026, leaders of the Linda Mwananchi Movement agreed to name the Nairobi Senator as the movement’s leader and presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
The decision followed a principals’ retreat attended by Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and party members.
On September 10, 2026, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties confirmed that Muungano Party had officially changed its name to The Mwananchi Party (TMP).
Additionally, on October 1, 2026, the Registrar of Political Parties approved the reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) for up to 90 days.
The approval followed a decision by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal that overturned the earlier refusal to reserve the name.
Two Political Parties Seek Registration
The Registrar of Political Parties published a notice dated September 25, 2026, concerning the registration of Goodlife Democratic Movement Party (GLDM) and the Democratic Movement for Change (DMC).
GLDM has proposed royal blue, black, and red as its dominant colors, with a hen coop as its symbol and Maisha Bora as its slogan.
Its listed founding members are Oketch George Barak, Onyango Pacific Scolari, Masila Elizabeth Ndonyi, Okumu Samwel Omondi, Ongondo Benard Odhiambo, Orenja Grace, and Gicharu Sandra Wangui.
DMC has proposed blue, white, and brown as its predominant colors. Its symbol is a traditional lantern, while its slogan is Nguvu ya Kujenga Nchi.
Founding members include Haji Khalid Fakih, Ngige Lilian Wangechi, and Rop Daniel Kipchumba.
The Registrar has given members of the public seven days from publication to submit written objections or submissions concerning the applications.
“Any person with written submissions concerning the registration of the above political parties shall within seven (7) days from the date of this publication deposit them with the Registrar of Political Parties,” the notice stated.
According to the Registrar of Political Parties CEO, J. C. Lorionokou, inquiries can be made through the Registrar’s offices at Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, P.O. Box 1131-00606, Nairobi, from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
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