Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has poured cold water on Eliud Owalo’s fast-rising presidential talk, turning what looked like a bold post-resignation move into a bruising political reality check.
Speaking shortly after Owalo exited State House, Millie dismissed his 2027 ambition as empty noise, saying the former deputy chief of staff was chasing headlines, not power.
The sharp response followed Owalo’s online messaging about charting a new political path, a move that went viral after his departure from President William Ruto’s administration. In a post that sparked heated reactions across social media.
For Millie, Owalo’s sudden confidence did not match his political weight. She argued that resigning from State House and floating a presidential bid were two very different things, with the latter demanding structure, numbers, and credibility on the ground. In her view, Owalo had none of that firmly in place.
Owalo’s name has dominated conversations since he quit his powerful post and hinted at launching a new political outfit aimed at the 2027 race.
Supporters framed him as a fresh voice with insider knowledge of government. Critics, however, see a technocrat overestimating his appeal beyond boardrooms and press statements.
Within ODM circles, Millie’s remarks echoed what many whisper privately. There is growing fatigue with politicians who jump camps, burn bridges, then present themselves as national alternatives.
Her comments also signalled that Owalo should not expect automatic backing from regions or leaders he once courted.
President William Ruto’s allies have largely stayed quiet, but Millie’s intervention shifted the tone of the debate.
It forced a hard question into the open: can political ambition alone replace years of grassroots work and loyalty?
As the dust settles, Owalo now faces a tougher road than his resignation speech suggested.
The excitement of quitting power has collided with Kenya’s unforgiving political arithmetic. Whether he retreats, regroups, or pushes on will define his next chapter.