The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
A growing number of Kenyan journalists and media personalities are exploring a transition from newsrooms to elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some have already announced their political ambitions, while others have resigned from media jobs or become publicly associated with particular constituencies. For some, however, the reported political plans remain unconfirmed.
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The trend has also prompted the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to develop guidelines for journalists seeking to enter politics, including requirements around leaving active newsroom roles once they declare political ambitions.
Here are some of the media personalities whose names have emerged in connection with the 2027 political contests.
Trevor Ombija
Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija has launched a political bid for the Nyakach parliamentary seat in Kisumu County.
READ ALSO: Trevor Ombija Claims Gachagua Wanted Him Fired From Citizen TV
Ombija began his political campaign in Kisumu in March 2026 and has since become involved in political activities linked to President William Ruto’s Tutam movement.
Stephen Letoo
Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo has expressed interest in contesting the Kilgoris parliamentary seat in Narok County.
READ ALSO: Trevor, Mwanahamisi, Letoo, Lulu Hassan Among Journalists Set to Exit Citizen TV
His possible entry into politics has generated attention in Trans Mara, although earlier reports noted that he had not formally declared his candidacy at the time.
Michael Njenga
Inooro TV journalist Michael Njenga has also been associated with the Kabete parliamentary seat.
Reports have linked the journalist to plans to enter elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mwanahamisi Hamadi
Citizen TV Kiswahili news anchor Mwanahamisi Hamadi has been linked to the Likoni parliamentary seat.
READ ALSO: Citizen TV’s Mwanahamisi Hamadi Among 184 Kenyans Honoured at Mashujaa Day Celebrations
Hamadi raised political interest during a public gathering in Likoni in May 2026, where she spoke about leadership and development and hinted at a possible political future. She has not, however, been presented in recent reports as having made a formal declaration comparable to some of the other media personalities.
Lulu Hassan
Citizen TV news anchor Lulu Hassan has also been linked to the Mvita parliamentary race in Mombasa County. Speculation intensified in 2025 after “Mama Mvita” branded T-shirts featuring her image circulated online, alongside reports of her community activities in the constituency.
Willis Raburu
Former Citizen TV 10 Over 10 host Willis Raburu is pursuing a political career in Kisumu.
Raburu has expressed interest in the Kisumu Senate seat and joined the Linda Mwananchi movement associated with former Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Tina Ogal
Radio Citizen presenter Tina Ogal has expressed interest in the Embakasi East parliamentary seat.
Ogal joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in April 2026 and subsequently made her interest in the constituency public.
Salim Swaleh
Former Citizen TV and NTV Swahili news anchor Salim Swaleh has declared his intention to contest the Gilgil parliamentary seat.
Swaleh announced his political ambitions in June 2026, saying he had been encouraged by residents to return home and seek the position.
John Wanyama
Former Citizen TV journalist John Wanyama has left Royal Media Services as he prepares to pursue elective politics.
Read Also: Citizen TV Journalist Quits Job to Run for MP
Wanyama is seeking the Malava parliamentary seat, with his departure from the media house coming ahead of the 2027 election. Recent reports indicate his resignation took effect in August 2026.
