FOP leader Oloo to run for president in 2027, vows to be on ballot

Freedom Opportunity Party (FOP) leader Onyango Oloo said he would contest Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, insisting he would be on the ballot even if his party’s registration is delayed.

Oloo said the Freedom Opportunity Party had met the legal and administrative requirements for registration, including recruiting members across at least 24 counties and establishing party offices in 27 counties.

He said the party was awaiting its final registration certificate from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

“We have done everything that was required of us as a political party. We have satisfied the technical requirements,” Oloo said.

He accused the registrar of delaying the issuance of the certificate, suggesting the office could be acting under external instructions, though he did not provide evidence for the claim.

“If they block FOP, we will come through other parties,” he said. “If they block us from getting in other parties, they will still find my name on the ballot.” Oloo said.

Oloo said his presidential bid would focus on social justice and governance reforms rather than solely opposing President William Ruto’s expected re-election campaign.

He repeated his position that Ruto should serve only one term but argued that the opposition should also present voters with credible alternatives for governing the country.

“Removing President Ruto is a key component of the opposition’s agenda, but the ultimate objective is providing good governance to the people of this country,” Oloo said.

He said Kenyans should be offered “a buffet of leadership” to enable them to choose among competing visions for the country’s future.

Oloo added that the debate should extend beyond replacing the incumbent to examining who would lead the country and the policies they would pursue.

The next general election is scheduled for 2027. President Ruto, who was elected in 2022, will seek re-election for a second and final five year term.