Here is a list of Kenyan politicians to watch in 2023 as the political space takes a new strand. Kenyan politics in 2023, President William Ruto’s first year in office, is and will be very interesting.
Ruto has put together a team to help him achieve the many goals he set out in his campaigns, as well as those he continues to set.
Furthermore, he will be monitored by an opposing team to ensure that he serves and delivers as promised to Kenyans.
In 2023, keep an eye out for these leaders.
Politicians to Watch in 2023.
1. Raila Odinga
He has been the longest-serving opposition leader in Kenya. Even though the odds were stacked against him, his fifth endeavor to become Kenya’s president was assumed to be the closest.
Despite publicly stating that he does not accept the results of the August 9 general election, the former prime minister has taken the step to reclaiming his role in the opposition and has been outspoken in his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
Raila Odinga has become accustomed to criticizing the Ruto administration’s policies, such as the hustler fund, the formation of the office of the opposition, and other proposed constitutional changes.
He is adamant about resolving several issues, including the state of the economy, the drought, and the high cost of living.
He has already declared and begun consultative forums with Kenyans in an effort to hold the government accountable.
2. Kalonzo Musyoka
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka became the face and voice of the opposition in Kenyan politics after the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition team failed to win the Presidency on August 9.
This went on until Raila Odinga reclaimed control and started holding press conferences. Kalonzo appears to have vanished.
His visibility had surpassed that of the coalition’s leader, Raila Odinga, who lost the election to President William Ruto.
With Odinga’s age increasing, it’s critical to keep an eye on the 2027 elections. Kalonzo has previously attempted to run for president, and he will undoubtedly do so again.
The year will undoubtedly reveal his future intentions.
3. Opiyo Wandayi
He is the leader of the second largest party or coalition of parties in the National Assembly, and his voice is very important.
Opiyo Wandayi has spoken out strongly about the “wrongs” in the government in the absence of his party leaders, and it is expected that he will not stop.
Leaders in such positions in parliament strive for greater success, but their current success is critical. He is among the politicians to watch in the coming days.
4. CS Ababu Namwamba
Sports in Kenya have been slowing down in recent years, and it’s difficult to be proud of the current state of affairs.
When Kenya’s rugby team was at the top and had won every other major competition, the match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards was highly anticipated. These days are long gone.
He has done an admirable job as Sports CS, bringing back FKF and resuming the Kenya Premier League, but where is the glory?
Namwamba is responsible for ensuring that teams compete in appropriate stadiums and training grounds and that they are well-paid and appreciated.
His desire to see Kenya compete in the World Cup has just begun.
5. CS Njuguna Ndung’u
The African Economic Research Consortium research scientist and economist returned to government service as one of President William Ruto’s Cabinet’s few technocrats.
In order for President William Ruto’s administration to be productive, he must be the Midas touch.
Because of debt, a wage bill that surpasses tax collections, and a stagnant economy caused by national elections and external shocks, the new administration is under pressure to cut expenditures.
Ndung’u is one of the key figures on whom the President will rely in order to implement his bottom-up economic structure and agenda.
Read Hotels Owned by Kenyan Politicians & Their Location.
6. Babu Owino
Having risen from the helm of campus politics as President of the University of Nairobi Students Association and succeeded in National politics, Babu is without a doubt one of the strongest young politicians in Kenya right now.
The Embakasi East MP has since declared that he will run for a higher seat in the 2027 general elections. It is speculated that he will be running for the Nairobi Governor or Senator’s seat. But whatever he runs for, he is a wave and is likely to trounce whoever competes with him.
He has also hinted at running for President in the future; and judging from the masses of youth votes he commands, his words can’t be underestimated.
It is evident that Babu is a man to watch in 2023.
7. Ndindi Nyoro
Ndidni Nyoro is the current member of parliament for the Kiharu constituency in Murang’a county. He is one of the most vocal politicians from the mountain.
He is perceived to be a presidential figure and is expected to run for the presidency to succeed President William Ruto.
He is an outspoken politician who usually destroys his opponents during campaigns. Indeed he is a man to watch.
8. Johnson Sakaja.
He is the current governor of Nairobi and a former associate of retired president Uhuru Kenyatta. He has shown continuous improvement in the political arena and he has everything to show for it.
Governing the country’s capital, as we all know, is not a walk in the park. Therefore he deserves credit for flooring all his competitors.
Kenyans have started seeing a bigger political future for him and it’s just a matter of time before things unfold. He is among the politicians to watch in the coming days.
9. Simba Arati
He is the current Governor of Kisii county and one of those eyed to take over the mantle from Raila Odinga, who is expected to retire from active politics in a few years.
His vocal nature puts him in a good position to wear the shoes of Odinga, not forgetting he hails from the Nyanza region which has massive support and passion for Odinga’s politics. He is among the politicians to watch in the coming days.
10. MCA Dennis Kiogora (Meru)
He is the current MCA of Abogeta West Ward in Meru County. He appeared in the limelight in 2023 during the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, which he spearheaded.
Moreover, he is a co-patron of the Kenya airlift program, which supports students to go pursue higher education abroad through sponsorships. He has been likened to Tom Mboya, a Kenyan revolutionist who was assassinated in 1969 due to his activism activities.
He has hinted at running for Governor of Meru County in 2027 and if he does, he will have to battle it out with his fierce competitor Kawira Mwangaza. He is among the politicians to watch in the coming days.
Are you thinking of another politician whom you think is worth keeping an eye on in 2023, let us know in the comments section.
