Ruto’s Moles? Unease in Opposition as Kuria and Owalo Face Cold Reception After Quitting UDA

Fresh unease is growing within opposition circles following the resignation of several high-profile figures linked to President William Ruto’s administration, with questions emerging over whether their moves are genuine political breakaways or part of a wider strategy to influence opposition politics.

The latest to resign is Eliud Owalo, who stepped down as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President on Sunday. 

His departure has added to a list of senior figures who have distanced themselves from President Ruto in recent months, including former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and politician Peter Mbae.

In his resignation statement, Owalo said his decision was driven by his desire to contest for the presidency in the 2027 General Election. 

He announced plans to tour different regions of the country as he prepares to launch a national campaign.

“For more than 15 years, I have worked for individual politicians in this country,” Owalo said. “After consultations with various stakeholders, including my Nomiya Church, I have decided to run for president in 2027.”

Owalo’s announcement, however, has been met with scepticism from political analysts and opposition leaders, many of whom question whether his resignation is a genuine political shift or an attempt to remain relevant after losing influence within government.

Political analyst Mark Bichachi argues that Owalo’s move is more about survival than ambition. 

According to him, Owalo’s previous role did not involve direct public engagement, making it difficult for him to build a strong political base.

“He cannot rely on UDA, and he may end up forming his own party,” Bichachi said. “This is a strategy to stay in the public conversation rather than quietly fade away.”

Owalo’s resignation comes months after Moses Kuria stepped down from his role as President Ruto’s economic adviser. 

Kuria had previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Investment and later as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, making him one of the most visible figures in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

After Kuria’s exit, claims quickly emerged that he was being used by the government to weaken opposition influence in the Mount Kenya region, particularly against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who continues to command strong support in the area.

These suspicions were reinforced by comments made by Gachagua himself. In a recent radio interview, the former deputy president warned Mount Kenya residents to avoid Kuria, describing him as a “project” of President Ruto designed to split opposition votes.

Another key figure, Peter Mbae, resigned in January 2025 as head of government programme delivery and implementation, a role that was later taken over by Owalo. 

Unlike Kuria and Owalo, Mbae has openly aligned himself with Gachagua’s camp, where he now serves as an adviser on economic affairs and planning.

The contrasting political paths taken by the three men have deepened mistrust within the opposition. 

While Kuria and Owalo claim independence from President Ruto, their past proximity to power continues to fuel suspicion.

Opposition leaders fear that such figures could act as political disruptors, weakening unity at a time when coordination is critical ahead of the 2027 elections. 

The cold reception Kuria and Owalo have received from opposition ranks reflects growing caution over who can be trusted.