Ruto's Chief of Staff Speaks After His Deputy Eliud Owalo Resigned For 2027 Presidency

In his first public remarks since the seismic resignation of Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has pointedly avoided addressing the political void, instead issuing a stern directive to all government officials to prioritise service delivery and unity.

Owalo’s departure was not routine; he declared his intention to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 polls, marking a significant fracture within the Kenya Kwanza administration and signalling early internal campaign friction.

Despite the brewing political storm, Koskei, speaking during the inauguration of the new KenTrade board, maintained a disciplined focus on government machinery. 

He emphasised that the state’s priority remains the full implementation of the National Electronic Single Window System for trade facilitation.

His message outlined a clear, two-pronged directive for the civil service. First, he demanded that every government department strictly align its operations with the core agenda of the administration.

Second, he warned against siloed operations, stating that “independent mentalities” within ministries would no longer be tolerated, insisting on seamless institutional collaboration.

By conspicuously ignoring the Owalo-shaped vacancy and the surrounding political manoeuvres, Koskei sent a powerful signal: the executive’s administrative engine will not be derailed by individual ambitions.

His approach champions a "heads-down" strategy, urging bureaucrats to maintain professionalism and diligence as the political landscape for 2027 begins to take shape.

For now, the Chief of Staff is allowing his calculated silence on the political front to speak volumes about his commitment to administrative stability and the ongoing government agenda.